The visa sanctions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) came with a rude shock to the citizens last week.
The action came after a series of lawless actions in recent
years. Owing to the development, several Nigerians were left stranded at the
Dubai airport last week.
The Western Asia nation of around 10 million people is
popular for its many spectacular tourist attractions that bring millions of
tourists annually.
In the early 2000s, Nigerians started to take interest in
Dubai, the emirates’ most popular city, for shopping and vacation.
By 2010, some had settled in after taking paying jobs, while
others decided to move there to also seek a better life for themselves and
dependents.
It turned out that UEA’s hospitality was taken for granted
as violent incidents involving Nigerians increased in certain parts of the
country.
At different times, the authorities issued cautionary
statements to visitors and migrants to stop disorderly conducts and respect the
laws.
But the warnings fell on deaf ears for some; while a few got
away with it, others paid the price through heavy fines, jail term or
deportation.
The last straw that broke the camel’s back were the clashes
that broke out in Sharjah in July this year between cult groups.
In a video which went viral on social media, rival gang
members bearing dangerous weapons fought each other in a public place and
damaged properties.
The police arrested those identified and commenced their
prosecution. Apparently angered by the footage, the security agency banned
publishing or forwarding clips.
Anyone who does so violates article 52 of the UAE Federal
Law No 34 of 2021 on countering rumors and cybercrimes.
The law warns against the dissemination and circulation of
provocative news that could incite public opinion, disturb peace, spread
terror, cause harm to the public interest, health and economy.
The punishment is at least one year of imprisonment and a
fine of not less than Dhs100,000.
After the incident, the government suspended visas for
Nigerians. Though it was later relaxed, Nigerians under 40 years old will now
bear the brunt.
Henceforth, those who fall under the age category cannot get
tourist visas, except if it involves a family.
The UAE, led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is known
for its strictness against lawlessness and zero tolerance for acts against the
well-being of its people.
In 2020, the government convicted six Nigerians found guilty
of providing funds to Boko Haram. An unnamed Nigerian government official was
reportedly indicted.
The United States government followed up by listing the
convicts as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.
They are: Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Surajo
Abubakar Muhammad, Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu and Bashir Ali
Yusuf.
Still, Nigeria has failed to arrest/prosecute/convict any
terrorism sponsor despite losing thousands of citizens, private and public
properties worth billions of naira to the sect’s carnage and destruction.
Boko Haram has been active for nearly two decades. Its
breakaway factions are Ansaru and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
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