Saudi Arabia Cancels Visas of 264 Nigerians, Sparking Outrage and Concerns Over Discrimination

In a shocking move, the Saudi Arabian authorities canceled the visas of 264 Nigerian passengers who arrived at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah on Sunday. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concerns over discrimination against Nigerians and Africans in general. 

Saudi Arabia Cancels Visas of 264 Nigerians, Sparking Outrage and Concerns Over Discrimination
According to reports, the passengers, who were traveling on a Nigerian airline, Air Peace, were denied entry into Saudi Arabia without any explanation. The Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia intervened, and after negotiations, the Saudi authorities agreed to allow 87 passengers to enter the country, while the remaining 177 were forced to return to Nigeria. 

The reasons behind the visa cancellations are still unclear, but speculation is rife that the Saudi authorities may be trying to protect their national carrier from competition from Nigerian airlines. There are also concerns that the move may be motivated by discriminatory attitudes towards Nigerians and Africans.

This incident is not isolated, as there have been previous reports of Nigerians and other Africans facing difficulties and discrimination when traveling to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. In 2020, the Nigerian government had to intervene to resolve a diplomatic row with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the treatment of Nigerian travelers.

The cancellation of visas for Nigerian travelers has significant implications for trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. It also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of Saudi Arabia's visa policies and the treatment of African travelers.

Nigerians and other Africans are calling for their governments to take action to address these concerns and to ensure that their citizens are treated with dignity and respect when traveling abroad. 

Related Stories: 

  •  Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Relations: A Complex History of Cooperation and Tension
  • The Challenges Facing African Travelers: Discrimination, Visa Restrictions, and More
  • Air Peace: The Nigerian Airline at the Center of the Visa Controversy

Join the conversation: Share your thoughts on this story and let us know how you think Nigeria and other African countries should respond to these concerns.


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