The United Arab Emirates (UAE) released a new visa rule for Nigerians who wish to visit Dubai.

Except for those applying for family visas, the UAE government has implemented a new visa regime that restricts the issuance of tourist visas to people aged 40 and up.

A viral video of Nigerians allegedly stranded at Dubai International Airport surfaced on social media, with a Twitter user claiming that at least 20 Nigerians were stranded and their passports seized.

The Herald had reported that Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said that some Nigerians who were sent back from Dubai attempted to dodge the UAE’s new visa rules.

In a post on her Twitter account on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa had said that despite being warned about the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa rules for certain age categories, some Nigerians tried to “circumvent” the regulations.

“Warned on the new UAE visa rules for certain age categories. Many now try to circumvent by applying for ‘family visas’. They get the visas and travel alone. Also 6 months genuine bank statement, accommodation, return ticket must be produced. Another set to be sent back now,” she tweeted.

According to UAE visa rules, Nigerian passengers “must have a hotel booking or proof of accommodation address for the entire period of intended stay,” but this does not apply to residents.

In addition, the rules state that “deportation on the same flight will follow if the sponsor (or representative) is not present at the time of the passenger’s arrival at the airport.”

Visitors to Dubai are subjected to random eye screening by immigration officials at Dubai International Airport.

Visitors who are asked to go through eye screening must bring a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page to the screening counter.

Dubai’s new visa rule

Hotel reservation/place of stay in UAE

Tourists are required to place a hotel reservation or have a place to stay before you land at the nation.

Six-month bank statement

You must present your bank statement for the period of 6months as proof that you can finance your stay at Dubai.

Return flight ticket

Do not book a one-way flight trip if you are not a citizen or do not have permission to live in the country.

If you are a visitor, book a return flight and show your ticket when asked as proof that you do not plan to overstay or live illegally in Dubai.