From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Forty-eight hours after the cancellation of visas of 264 Nigerians aboard Air Peace Airlines, the Saudi authorities have said the affected persons didn’t fulfill the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, in a statement made available to Daily Sun, said the individuals submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that didn’t apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.
“The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja would like to make a clarification about the media reports and social media releases concerning the deportation of Nigerian citizens at the point of entry into the Kingdom.
“The passengers whom were denied entry, and subsequently deported to their initial destinations, didn’t fulfill 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,” the Saudi Arabian Embassy said.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia further stressed the importance of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors.
“Furthermore, all passengers should review all the documents to determine their conformity with the conditions prior departing from their countries to the Kingdom. This procedure was not limited to Nigerian citizens only, but rather to citizens of other countries,” the Saudi Arabian Embassy also said.
