In 2021, many Nigerian workers reported issues with work visa issuance and renewals which impact their legal stay in the UAE and their livelihoods as many have already lost their jobs, and need to rely on borrowing money to prolong their stay.

Nigerian workers have been informed of these visa processing issues when their employers tried to apply for or renew their visas to no avail, as visas get rejected several times, citing a "ban on work permits for Nigerians".

UAE authorities stated that there has been no targeting of Nigerians.

Nigerians in the UAE are demanding the Nigerian authorities intervene but they are not cooperating.