From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reacted to the reports that it rejected 177 Nigerian passengers at the point of entry on arrival in Jeddah.
The Saudi Arabian government had on Monday, November 13, cancelled the visa of 177 passengers airlifted by Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, on arrival at the country from Kano, insisting that they be returned to Nigeria.
However, the Federal Government through the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, urged all affected passengers of Air Peace who had their visas cancelled and subsequently deported by from Saudi Arabia to remain calm as it has launched investigation into the matter.
The government said that although the Saudi authorities were yet to provide reasons for the cancellation of the visas, it noted that both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia had begun a probe aimed at resolving the issue.
But, reacting to the development, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja clarified that the passengers whom were denied entry, and subsequently deported to Nigeria didn’t fulfill the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom.
According to the embassy, in a statement on Wednesday, the affected passengers submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that does not apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.
“The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ab would like to make a clarification about the media reports and Social Media releases concerning the deportation of Nigerian citizens at the point of entry into the Kingdom. “
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