Saudi Arabia attributes the cancellation of visas for affected Nigerians to the submission of incorrect information by the individuals.

 

The Saudi Arabian Embassy clarified on Wednesday that the visas of 177 Air Peace passengers from Nigeria were canceled upon arrival in Jeddah for violating the country's entry rules. The Federal Government, citing reports from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, stated that Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from Lagos and Kano to Jeddah on November 23, 2023.

Upon arrival at the Hajj terminal, Saudi Immigration authorities informed passengers that their visas were canceled. Subsequently, 177 passengers were returned to Nigeria, while 87 were allowed entry into Jeddah after clearance by immigration.

The Embassy's statement emphasized that the deported Nigerians had provided incorrect information to obtain a visa category that did not apply to them, a discovery made upon their arrival. It clarified that these individuals did not fulfill entry conditions in accordance with the Kingdom's rules and regulations.

The Royal Embassy stressed the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia's procedures and laws, urging all passengers to review their documents for conformity before departing from their countries. The statement highlighted that this procedure applied not only to Nigerian citizens but also to citizens of other countries.