The federal government has explained why Nigerian visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) encountered hostility.
A video of some Nigerians stuck in Dubai’s international airport appeared on social media, and according to Twitter user @dunchichi, at least 20 Nigerians were stuck there with their passports being confiscated.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commented on the event and claimed that some Nigerians who were sent back from Dubai attempted to manipulate the new visa regulations.
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According to Dabiri-research, Erewa’s some Nigerians attempted to “circumvent” the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa criteria for particular age categories despite the country’s repeated warnings about them.
She wrote: “Warned on the new UAE visa rules for certain age categories. Many now try to circumvent by applying for ‘family visas’. They get the visas and travel alone. Also 6 months genuine bank statement, accommodation, return ticket must be produced. Another set to be sent back now.”
UAE visa rules require that Nigerian passengers “must have a hotel booking or proof of accommodation address for the whole period of intended stay”, but this does not apply to persons with resident visa.
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