The attention of the Federal Government has been drawn to media reports on the cancellation of the visas and subsequent deportation of passengers airlifted from Nigeria on Sunday, 12th November 2023 to Saudi Arabia.
According to reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 airlifted two hundred and sixty-four (264) passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday, 13th November 2023.
A statement signed by Francisca K. Omayuli (Mrs) Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that, It was on arrival at the Hajj Terminal that the Saudi Immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled.
Consequently, one hundred and seventy-seven (177) passengers were made to return on the same flight back to Nigeria. While eighty-seven (87) passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah.
The Saudi authorities are yet to give reasons for the cancellation of the visas, except for eighteen (18) of the passengers who were outrightly banned from Saudi Arabia for various offences committed in the past.
Even though it is the prerogative of a sovereign nation to determine who is permitted entry into its territory, Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are traditional and strategic partners, who are willing to guard against a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident. In this regard, the investigation is ongoing in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The affected passengers are, therefore, implored to keep calm, while the matter is being resolved.