Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, who was welcomed by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, emphasized NiDCOM’s intention to engage and sensitize Nigerians in the UAE. She urged Nigerians to be exemplary ambassadors, excel in their endeavors, and maintain strong ties to their homeland.
“This initiative aims to foster better understanding and compliance with local regulations,” she stated. Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that 190 Nigerians have been repatriated, with an additional 250 expected to return soon. She noted that the actions of individuals in a host country can significantly impact the overall image of their home country and criticized Western media for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Nigerians.
The UAE Ambassador confirmed that the visa ban on Nigeria has been officially lifted. He explained that while the Visa on Arrival policy has been canceled for all countries, the new procedures are designed to facilitate tourism and ensure travelers’ safe return.
The Ambassador expressed his commitment to providing the best possible services for Nigerians, with the support of the 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.
