Saudi Arabia Clarifies Visa Cancellation For Nigerian Passengers, Says Entry Conditions Not Met.
By Caroline Ameh
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided clarification regarding the recent cancellation of visas for 264 Nigerian passengers arriving via Air Peace. In a statement released by its Royal Embassy in Abuja, Saudi Arabia explained that the passengers failed to meet the entry conditions required by the Kingdom, citing the submission of incorrect information.
According to the statement, “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.”
The Kingdom emphasized that this procedural measure wasn’t exclusive to Nigerian citizens but encompassed individuals from various other countries as well.
The visa cancellations occurred shortly after Air Peace initiated a direct flight to Saudi Arabia, intended for those participating in the Islamic Lesser Hajj tradition. The flight departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, traversed through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and landed at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Following the incident, the Nigerian embassy in Saudi Arabia intervened, resulting in a reduction in the number of affected passengers from 264 to 177. This intervention was aimed at addressing the situation and facilitate a resolution between the affected passengers and Saudi Arabian authorities.
