The royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja says the visas of
Air Peace passengers were cancelled because they did not fulfil the entry
conditions of the Arab country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Saudi embassy said the
applicable rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia were not met, as they
submitted incorrect information.
On Monday, 264 passengers on an Air Peace flight arrived in
Jeddah, after leaving Nigeria on Sunday but Saudi authorities cancelled their
visas, ordering the airline to take them back to Nigeria.
However, 87 passengers were later allowed to remain in
Saudi, while 177 passengers were flown back to Nigeria by Air Peace.
Clarifying the circumstances that led to the visa cancellation, Saudi embassy said upon the passengers' arrival in Jeddah, it was discovered that incorrect information was submitted to obtain a category of visa that doesn't apply to them.
"The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja 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," the embassy said.
"The passengers whom were denied entry, and
subsequently deported to their initial destinations, didn't fulfill the entry
conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and
regulations of the Kingdom, as they submitted incorrect information to obtain a
category of visa that doesn't apply to them, which was discovered upon their
arrival.
"The Royal Embassy would like to stress the importance
of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for
all visitors.
"Furthermore, all passengers should review all the
documents to determine their conformity with the conditions prior departing from
their countries to the Kingdom."
Saudi embassy said the procedure was not limited to Nigerian
citizens only, but rather to citizens of other countries.
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