Infostride News has received clarification from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia regarding the recent visa cancellations and deportations of Nigerian citizens upon their entry into the Kingdom. The Saudi Embassy in Abuja issued a statement on Wednesday, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of visas for 177 Air Peace passengers from Nigeria upon their arrival in Jeddah.
According to the statement, the visas were canceled because the deported Nigerians failed to comply with the entry conditions and requirements set by the Kingdom. The Saudi authorities asserted that these individuals had submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that did not apply to them, and this discrepancy was discovered upon their arrival in the country.
The Royal Embassy emphasized the importance of adhering to the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors. The statement underlined that this protocol applied not only to Nigerian citizens but also to citizens of other countries. It urged all passengers to thoroughly review their documents to ensure their conformity with the stipulated conditions before departing from their respective countries to the Kingdom.

In response to the visa cancellations, the Saudi Arabian government took action on Monday, November 13, revoking the visas of 177 passengers who arrived in the country on an Air Peace flight from Kano. The passengers were subsequently required to return to Nigeria. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the situation on Tuesday, assuring affected passengers that an investigation was underway.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that, despite the Saudi authorities not providing reasons for the visa cancellations, both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia had initiated a joint investigation to resolve the issue. According to reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport to the King Abdulaziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal in Jeddah on Monday, November 23, 2023.
Upon arrival at the Hajj Terminal, the Saudi Immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been canceled. Subsequently, 177 passengers were compelled to return on the same flight to Nigeria, while 87 passengers were cleared by Saudi immigration and permitted entry into Jeddah.
The situation has raised concerns and prompted diplomatic efforts to ascertain the reasons behind the visa cancellations. The joint investigation is crucial for resolving the matter and preventing similar incidents in the future. As both nations collaborate to unravel the circumstances surrounding the visa cancellations, affected passengers are urged to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and truthful information when applying for visas and complying with the entry requirements of foreign countries. It underscores the need for travelers to thoroughly review and understand the conditions associated with their visas to avoid complications and potential deportation upon arrival at their destination.
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