From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is committed to strengthening relations with Nigeria, Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, has said.
He gave commitment during the visit of Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, following the removal of the visa ban by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a statement issued by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa’s visit was to further strengthen areas of partnership and collaboration that are mutually beneficial to both countries.
Al-Shamsi explained that the visa ban on Nigeria has been officially lifted and confirmed that the Visa on Arrival policy has been canceled for all countries, but assured that the new procedures are designed to facilitate tourism and ensure travelers’ safe return.
The UAE’s envoy expressed his commitment to providing the best possible services for Nigerians, with the support of the determined Nigerian government. He also acknowledged the UAE’s role in safely repatriating 96 Nigerians at no cost.
Marking his one-year anniversary as the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Al-Shamsi shared his positive impressions of Nigeria, describing it as a beautiful country with warm-hearted people who share similar cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds with the UAE.
He expressed his eagerness to continue collaborating with NiDCOM to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Dabiri-Erewa on her part, stated that NiDCOM intends to engage and sensitize Nigerians in the UAE to be good ambassadors of their country of stay and country of origin, excelling in whatever they do and never forgetting home.
She added that this initiative aims to foster better understanding and compliance with local regulations.
According to her, 190 Nigerians were repatriated back to the country, with an additional 250 expected to return soon. She noted that the actions of individuals in a host country can greatly impact the overall image of their home country, and acknowledged the role of Western media imperialism in perpetuating negative stereotypes about Nigerians.