By Emegwoako C. Paschal
Mr Obed Monago, a former Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas (NIDOA), has criticized the treatment of Nigerians seeking visas from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Monago stated this in a telephone interview on Saturday, October 29th in light of the UAE government’s recent visa ban on Nigerians.
He did, however, express hope that the ban would be lifted soon, citing Nigeria’s and the UAE’s good relations.
“It is absolutely appalling that the citizens of Africa’s giant are treated and toyed with in this manner,” Monago said, blaming successive Nigerian governments.
“Also to blame are Nigerians in the UAE who refused or did not realize that the UAE is a sovereign country with its own rules and regulations.”
“I find the UAE government’s cancellation of visa applications and retention of visa fees troubling.” The UAE should refund the application fees in full.
“Refunding the fees would demonstrate that the actions they are taking are in good faith, whereas keeping the fees would amount to extortion,” he said.
The UAE immigration authorities recently announced a visa ban on Nigerians attempting to enter the country, and all applications were rejected without refunding the applicants’ visa fees.
