The Federal Government has clarified why some Nigerians were denied entry into the United Arab Emirates as seen in a viral video online.
In a 42-second video clip that went viral online on Wednesday, some Nigerians were seen lamenting that they were stranded in Dubai after airport officials refused entry into the country despite having valid visas.
However, reacting to the development in a statement, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Francisca Omayuli said visa issues were responsible for the misunderstanding.
According to her, the Nigerian Mission in Dubai has clarified that most of the supposedly stranded Nigerians were issued family visas, only to arrive in Dubai alone without any family
members.
The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to a video on social media, showing purportedly stranded Nigerians, who arrived at the Airport in Dubai, UAE on 29th August 2022, but were denied entry into the country, despite having valid visas.
The Nigerian Mission in Dubai has clarified that most supposedly stranded Nigerians were issued family visas, only to arrive in Dubai alone without any family members. Consequently, they were denied entry and advised to return to their country and apply for the appropriate visas.
However, those allowed entry into the country have family members in the UAE. Those who claimed their family members were on another flight were told to wait at the airport pending their arrival.
The general public is invited to note and be guided by the fact that the Government of the UAE has introduced a new visa regime and has stopped issuing tourist visas to persons under the age of 40, except for those applying for family visas.
Therefore, prospective visa applicants should indicate their visa preferences clearly and respect the immigration laws of other countries to avoid unwarranted treatment.
