Nigerian media reports indicate that over 170 Nigerians on a flight bound for Saudi Arabia were denied entry upon arrival on Monday. The Saudi authorities allegedly revoked their visas abruptly, leading to this situation.
According to reports, 264 passengers from the Nigerian cities of Lagos and Kano had acquired visas and undergone extensive screenings before boarding the flight.
However, all their visas were reportedly revoked while they were airborne.
Upon arrival, reports suggest that the Saudi authorities declined entry and directed the Nigerian Air Peace airline to return the passengers to Nigeria.
The Saudi authorities have not commented on the matter.
Passengers affected by the incident informed local media that they were taken aback upon discovering the visa cancellation upon landing, as they had fulfilled all the prerequisites for entry into the Middle Eastern country.
Saudi Arabia eventually permitted entry to 87 passengers following the intervention of the Nigerian embassy. However, 177 individuals were repatriated to Nigeria on Monday night.
Reports from Nigerian media indicate that a majority of the passengers had embarked on their journey to Saudi Arabia to partake in the lesser Hajj (Umrah), a pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca.