In response to recent reports surrounding the deportation of 264 Nigerians, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia issued a statement clarifying that the action was not targeted at Nigerians specifically. The embassy highlighted that the individuals were denied entry and subsequently deported due to the submission of incorrect information during the visa application process.
According to the embassy, this scrutiny was not exclusive to Nigerian citizens but extended to individuals from other countries as well. Meanwhile, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating potential breaches of consular or aviation rules in the matter.
The Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, affirmed the ministry's commitment to mitigating actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Four Ds strategy.
The Royal Saudi Embassy also issued cautionary measures for future visa applicants, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Kingdom's procedures and laws.