Emirates Changes Travel Rules For Nigerian Passengers

Emirates Airlines has eased the rules for Rapid PCR test for passengers traveling from Nigeria and five other countries to Dubai.

A statement disclosed by Emirates Airlines through its official website says, “all passengers with a valid UAE residence visa that are allowed to travel to and through Dubai from Nigeria, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Uganda must conduct Rapid PCR test within 6 hours prior to departure.”

Before now, passengers were required to take the test 4 hours before their departure. The statement reemphasized that “Rapid antigen test will not be accepted.” 

“Apart from Rapid PCR test passengers must have a valid COVID-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours between the time of sample collection and scheduled flight departure.”

“Only COVID 19 PCR test reports from certified labs that issue a QR code linked to the original report will be accepted.”

It stated further that Dubai visa holders must apply for pre-entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).” And passengers must complete a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, has stated that there is no official statement released on the issuance of work permits for Nigerians living and working in the UAE.

Dr. Fahad made this known during a brief meeting with the chairman of Nigerian in the Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabi. He said, just like others, he read about the ban on social media. "But the UAE has no restriction against any nationality."

Fahad stated further that if there are possible exemption cases of individuals whose work visas were not renewed, there must be a strong reason for that but not for any form of discrimination. 

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