The Federal Government has urged all affected passengers of Air Peace whose visas were cancelled and deported from Saudi Arabia to remain calm and that investigation into the “unfortunate” incident has been launched.
In a statement released by Francisca Omayuli, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah indicated that Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport and landed at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal Jeddah on Nov. 13.
She said in the statement that on arrival at the Hajj Terminal, the Saudi immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled and 177 passengers had to be evacuated on the same flight back to Nigeria.
No fewer than 87 of the passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah, she added.
Omayuli explained that the Saudi authorities are yet to give reasons for the cancellation of the visas and the outright ban imposed on 18 of the passengers from Saudi Arabia for various offences they committed in the past.
”Notwithstanding the fact that 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 recurrence of this unfortunate incident.
In this regard, investigation is ongoing in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The affected passengers are therefore, implored to keep calm, while the matter is being resolved,” the statement quoted Omayuli as saying.
9 Responses
Notwithstanding the fact that 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
No smoke without a fire,Saudi Arabians are not fools,something must have sparked up something somewhere that forced them to take such a Drastic decision.But whatever it is,we are yet to find out
U see forinas are tired of Us around the Globe everywhere you go you will meet with Nigerians in numbers what are they looking for Greener pastures this saudi people is like they pretending to be friendly with Us they should try and investigate that visa problem very well and stop embarraing our people like that
Well it has happened,there is nothing we can do about it,but i believe jagaban,he is already on it.soonest that matters will be over,he already assured nightmares that he will solve that problem
Well it has happened,there is nothing we can do about it,but i believe jagaban,he is already on it.soonest that matters will be over,he already assured nightmares that he will solve that problem
Well like the investigation ongoing they said nothing has been confirmed for the cancellation of their visa but the government should do something on it fast
Why should they cancelled the relationship with Saudi Arabia and Nigerian government, if we are wise lit have relationship with the Saudi Arabia
There should be a better relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, since many Nigerians travel yearly for spiritual purposes.
Shame to Nigeria government look what have Saudi Arabia did to Nigeria citizens,but tinibu shaked ???? hand with the Arabians , ha ha…