Nigeria citizens who were maltreated in Dubai breached new visa rules – Dabiri-Erewa

The Federal Government has shed light on reasons its citizens were maltreated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, saying that the people tried to breach new visa rules.

The reaction came from the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Thursday.

CAPITAL POST recalled a video
on Wednesday showing some Nigerians stranded in Dubai International Airport which was posted by a Twitter user, @dunchichi, saying at least 20 Nigerians were stuck at the airport and their passports seized.

The travellers who were seen in that video allegedly breached UAE new visa rules and were turned back to Nigeria.

Their return was confirmed by the NIDCOM Chairman.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa confirmed on her verified Twitter handle stating that the travellers were earlier warned against certain things like age, yet they were undeterred and tried to “circumvent” the regulations.

“Warned on the new UAE visa rules for certain age categories. Many now try to circumvent by applying for ‘family visas’. They get the visas and travel alone. Also 6 months genuine bank statement, accommodation, return ticket must be produced. Another set to be sent back now,” she tweeted.

In the United Arab Emirates, the new visa rules require that intending visitors from Nigeria “must have a hotel booking or proof of accommodation address for the whole period of intended stay”, but this does not apply to persons with resident visa.

Also, aside from other regulations, the rules provide that “deportation on the same flight will follow if sponsor (or representative) is not present at the time of passenger’s arrival at the airport”.

Meanwhile, in another video shared by NiDCOM on Thursday but dated August 4, Dabiri-Erewa said “bad behaviour” by some Nigerians prompted the UAE to tighten their visa rules.

“I think a few Nigerians have taken bad behaviour too far and we have to admit and accept that. It is not about profiling or generalisation, it has gone too far,” she said.

“So, what the Dubai authorities have done is they have made their visa processes more stringent. So, if you are below 30, no visa for you if you are male below 30.

“It is very difficult. They have made it so stringent that you are not likely to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“Secondly, if you’re looking to Dubai now, you have to provide a six-month bank account, you have to have your return ticket and you must show proof of accommodation and if you lie, they are going to know and turn you back.

“So, let’s learn to obey laws of other countries and just do the right things because there are too many good Nigerians in Dubai.”