General
UAE Visa Process for Nigerians: Step-by-Step Guide and Conditions
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the lifting of visa restrictions previously imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development allows Nigerian passport holders to travel to the UAE again.
In a statement on Monday, July 15, 2024, after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris confirmed the new agreement.
“I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” Idris said.
Here is a detailed guide on how Nigerians can obtain a UAE visa under the new conditions:
Steps to Obtain a UAE Visa:
- Document Verification Number (DVN) Application:
- Visit documentverificationhub.ae for more details.
- Click the “Start DVN application” button.
- Choose whether you are applying for yourself or a group.
- Fill in your personal information, travel details, and passport information.
- Upload an image of your passport information page.
- Accept all disclaimers regarding data processing.
- Confirm the accuracy of all information provided before making payments.
- Select your preferred payment method or gateway and proceed to pay.
- Once payment is successful, you will receive your DVN via email within five business days.
- Use your National Identification Number as your unique application reference number to follow up on your application.
- Additional Requirements:
- Proof of Bank Account: Six months’ bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD.
- Round-Trip Flight Tickets: Confirmed and booked.
- Proof of Hotel Booking: Confirmed and paid.
- Visa Fee Payment:
- For applicants in Nigeria: Pay the visa fee by credit card at the UAE Visa Centre in Abuja.
- For Nigerians residing abroad: Pay the visa fee at the nearest UAE Visa Centre.
Key Points to Note:
- The visa process begins with obtaining a DVN using your Nigerian passport.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate before making payments.
- Regularly check your email for confirmation of payment and application status.
- Utilize your National Identification Number to track your application.
By following these steps and meeting the outlined conditions, Nigerian passport holders can now obtain a UAE visa and travel to the UAE.
General
Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome
Google has reacted strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may propose forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser as part of antitrust remedies. The DOJ is expected to present its final recommendations to a judge this week in response to an August ruling that deemed Google a monopoly in online search.
Bloomberg reported the DOJ might also push for new restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), Android operating system, and data usage practices. In a statement, Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland criticized the proposal, saying, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”
Mulholland warned that such measures would harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership at a critical time for innovation.
Chrome is the dominant web browser worldwide, commanding 64.61% of the global market as of October, according to Similarweb. Google’s search engine, with an estimated 90% global market share, benefits significantly from being the default search option in Chrome and other browsers, such as Safari on iPhones.
Judge Amit Mehta previously described default search engine agreements as “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, noting that competitors would need to spend billions to secure similar deals.
The DOJ has hinted at potentially breaking up Google to address concerns over its ability to leverage products like Chrome, the Play Store, and Android to maintain its search monopoly. Final proposals are expected to include remedies aimed at limiting Google’s dominance across multiple platforms.
Google remains firm in its opposition, maintaining that the proposed measures would negatively impact users and innovation. The outcome of the DOJ’s recommendations will shape the future of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.
General
Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries
Switzerland and Italy have been compelled to redraw sections of their shared border in the Alps due to the ongoing effects of melting glaciers, driven by climate change. The revised boundary will affect areas near the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks, and regions close to well-known ski resorts such as Zermatt.
The Swiss-Italian border is traditionally defined by glacier ridgelines or perpetual snow areas. However, as glaciers shrink, these natural demarcations have shifted, prompting both nations to adjust the border accordingly. A draft agreement was reached in May 2023 by a joint commission, and Switzerland officially approved the changes last Friday, with Italy’s final approval still pending.
The new borders, which will impact locations like Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge, and Gobba di Rollin, aim to address the practical needs of both countries, particularly in terms of maintaining natural areas. The clarified boundaries will also help resolve responsibility for managing these regions as the landscape continues to evolve.
Melting glaciers have revealed a number of surprising discoveries in recent years, including the remains of a German climber missing since 1986, found last July near the Matterhorn. Such discoveries highlight the rapid rate at which the glaciers are retreating and the broader impacts of climate change on the region.
General
Martinez Banned for ‘Offensive Behaviour’ by FIFA
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during recent World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The suspension stems from two separate incidents. In the 3-0 win over Chile on September 6, Martinez controversially repeated his provocative celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch. This was Argentina’s first match since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.
Four days later, after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch.
The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the suspension but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. The ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
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