QATAR DENIES IMPOSING NEW VISA RESTRICTIONS ON NIGERIAN TRAVELLERS
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Agency Report
The Qatari Ministry of Interior has debunked viral reports claiming that it imposed fresh visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders.
An interior ministry official told BBC Pidgin on Wednesday that there are currently no restrictions on Nigerians seeking entry into Qatar.
The clarification followed widespread social media claims alleging that Qatari authorities had introduced a travel ban preventing Nigerian men from applying for visas unless accompanied by their families.
The reports also suggested that only women and family groups could apply for visas, with mandatory requirements such as a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before applications would be considered. The purported restrictions were said to be linked to frequent cases of overstays by Nigerian travellers.
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However, Qatar’s e-visa platform, Hayya, confirmed to the BBC 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,” the platform stated.
Qatar has become an increasingly popular destination for Nigerians in recent years, especially following the diplomatic row between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (2021–2024), which saw the UAE impose visa restrictions and suspend flights.
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