Saudi Arabia has issued a statement explaining why Nigerians were deported from the country.
According to Platinum Times, 264 travelers were informed that their visa had been cancelled as they arrived at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, November 13th, 2023.
The Nigerian Federal Government has since asked for calm in the aftermath of the deportation.
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja issued a clarification on the situation on Wednesday.
“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,” a statement from the embassy said.
It added:
“The deportees submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that doesn’t apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.
“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.
“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.”