Deported Nigerians submitted incorrect information to obtain visas – Saudi Arabia
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia has clarified why the visas of 264 Nigerians were cancelled upon entry into Jeddah, stating that it was not targeting Nigerians.
Neptune Prime reports that on Monday, the Saudi Arabian government cancelled the visa of all 264 passengers airlifted by Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, on arrival at the country from Kano State, insisting that they be returned to Nigeria.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Saudi Embassy said, “The passengers who were denied entry, and subsequently deported to their initial destinations, didn’t fulfil the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom, as they submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that doesn’t apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.”
“This procedure was not limited to Nigerian citizens only, but rather to citizens of other countries.”
READ ALSO: Saudi Arabia cancels visas of 264 Nigerian passengers upon arrival in Jeddah
Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement made available to Channels Television on Tuesday, said it was “investigating the matter to see if any consular or aviation rules have been flouted.”
Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkassim Abdulkadir, said the ministry will ensure such actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens are mitigated in the future in line with what was described as the ‘Four Ds Strategy’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Furthermore, the Saudi Royal Embassy issued cautionary measures for applicants wishing to visit the Arabian Peninsula.
“The Royal Embassy would like to stress the importance of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors.
“Henceforth, all passengers should review all the documents to determine their conformity with the conditions before departing from their countries to the Kingdom,” the statement said.
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