Nigeria
FG appeals for calm following Saudi’s decision to cancel visas
The removal of individuals who were airlifted from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, November 12, 2023, has prompted a response from the Federal Government.
OBASANJONEWS24 recounts that on Monday, November 13, 2023, upon arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 264 passengers were informed that their visa had been revoked.
87 passengers were given entry into Jeddah after being cleared by immigration, whereas 177 passengers were forced to return to Nigeria on the same flight.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesman, Francisca K. Omayuli, urged for composure in the face of the crisis in a statement, noting that the inquiry is still ongoing.
The statement reads as follows: “With the exception of 18 passengers who were categorically barred from entering Saudi Arabia due to past transgressions, the Saudi authorities have not yet provided an explanation for the revocation of the visas.
“Despite the fact that each sovereign state has the right to decide who is allowed admission into its borders, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria are longstanding allies who are prepared to take precautions to ensure that this regrettable event doesn’t happen again.
“Saudi Arabia and Nigeria are both conducting investigations in this regard. Therefore, it is requested that the impacted passengers remain composed while the issue is being handled.
