Qatar has dismissed reports claiming it has introduced new
visa restrictions on Nigerians.
On Tuesday, several social media posts and blogs alleged
that the Qatar’s ministry of interior had imposed stricter regulations on
Nigerians due to rising cases of overstays.
According to the online reports, the supposed measures
applied to both tourist and transit visas, affecting even pending applications.
The report further claimed that only women and families
would be eligible to apply, while male travellers would be barred unless
accompanied by family members.
The purported policy also required applicants to provide
proof of return flights, alongside five-star hotel bookings, before visa
requests could be processed.
But on Wednesday, TheCable quoting an official of the Qatar
embassy in Nigeria disclosed that there was “no official information or
updates” confirming such restrictions.
The BBC also reported that Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform
for e-visa services, maintained 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 in this regard, they will be
announced on our official platforms,” it said.
Qatar has hosted a significant number of Nigerian visitors
in recent years, with the Gulf nation serving as both a transit hub and a
tourist destination.
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