Qatar Breaks Silence on Visa Restrictions on Nigerians, “If Any Updates Are to Be Made”
- The Qatari government has reacted to reports that Nigerian male travellers will no longer be granted tourist or transit visas to Qatar unless accompanied by their families
- In a statement on Wednesday, the Qatari Ministry of Interior denied imposing a visa ban on Nigerians
- A ministry official disclosed that there has been no suspension or changes to the current visa application procedures
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports claiming that it imposed new visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders.
Source: Getty Images
Reacting on Wednesday, September 10, a ministry official told the BBC Pidgin that there are no restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit Qatar.
Social media reports had alleged that Qatari authorities introduced a travel ban preventing male applicants from entering the country unless they were travelling with their families.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Qatar introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerian travellers, citing concerns over recent overstays.
The updated policy bars unaccompanied male applicants and limits eligibility to females and families only, with additional requirements of a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before applying for a travel or transit visa.
Source: Getty Images
Visa restriction: No changes or suspension - Qatar
However, according to the BBC, Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, clarified that the visa application process remains unchanged.
“There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made, they will be announced on our official platforms,” it stated.
Qatar has seen increased visits from Nigerians in recent years, partly due to the diplomatic spat between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2024, which led to visa restrictions and suspension of flights.
UK warns foreign students: Nigerians, others affected
In a similar development, Legit.ng reported that the UK Home Office sent an important message to foreign students, warning that they risk deportation if they overstay their visas.
In an interesting new move, the government began contacting students directly by text and email.
Reports on September 2 disclosed that about 10,000 foreign students, including Nigerians, whose visas were due to expire, received the messages.
UK bars foreigners from applying for 100 jobs
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the British Home Office announced the restrictions on Nigerians and other foreigners from filling more than 100 job categories.
This move was part of the UK's ongoing reforms of immigration policies meant to reduce net migration under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who took office on July 5, 2024.
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- UK removal threat: Nigerian students seek legal means, 'uncertain about next steps'
- US announces visa restriction policy
Qatar begins construction of 500,000 housing units in Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that in what could be described as the right step in the right direction, Qatar has commenced the construction of 500,000 housing units in Kaduna state. The project according to the Qatari Government, is for less privileged residents of Kaduna state, North-west Nigeria.
The Mega Economic City project was officially inaugurated by Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri on Wednesday, August 16, in Kaduna, PremiumTimes reported.
According to Mr. Al-Hajri, the projects aim to improve the living conditions for underprivileged families in the state.
Source: Legit.ng
