The Federal Government yesterday clarified that it had not received any official communication from the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding any revised visa policy affecting Nigerian citizens.

The clarification followed heightened public interest and concerns arising from recent developments in the visa issuance protocols of both the United States of America and the UAE, particularly concerning Nigerian applicants.

Speaking on the matter, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to preserving and deepening Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relations with both countries.

“The recent changes in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by these two countries have come to the attention of the Federal Government,” Onanuga said in a statement.

He added: “Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.”

The United States Government, in a formal diplomatic note, had cited two principal factors informing its policy adjustments: the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for improved access to reliable applicant records.

On the situation with the UAE, Onanuga stated that the Federal Government had not received any formal correspondence from the UAE authorities announcing a new or revised visa regime for Nigerians.

He, however, noted that, based on observations, visa issuance processes appeared to be resuming gradually and in an orderly manner.