The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia has addressed media reports regarding the deportation of 264 passengers, clarifying that the action was not targeted at Nigerians specifically. In a statement released on Wednesday, the embassy explained that the passengers, including Nigerians, were denied entry and subsequently deported due to their failure to fulfill entry conditions and requirements.
According to the statement, the individuals submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that did not apply to them, and this discrepancy was discovered upon their arrival. The embassy emphasized that such procedures were not limited to Nigerian citizens but applied to citizens of other countries as well.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria is actively investigating the matter to determine if any consular or aviation rules were flouted. The ministry is committed to mitigating actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens in the future, aligning with the Four Ds strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Royal Saudi Embassy issued cautionary measures for visa applicants wishing to visit the Arabian Peninsula, stressing the importance of following procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The embassy also advised all passengers to review their documents to ensure conformity with conditions before departing from their countries to the Kingdom.
