Nigerians living in the UAE says all those whose work permit were not renewed have been asked to leave the oil-rich Middle East country on Thursday.
The affected Nigerians confirmed what a travel agency had earlier posted on social media that all previously issued visas to Nigerians had become invalid and that those living in the country would have their visas revoked.
The UAE’s embassy in Abuja, however, denied the claims by Flyworld Travel and Tour, insisting that the visa suspension was due to COVID-19.
“I came in on a two-year visa and got a job,” said a Nigerian who did not want to be named for fear of being tracked by the Emirates’ security. “When my visa expired, my employer tried to renew it, but the company said the application bounced back and there is nothing they can do.”
He added, “Many of us are using the money we make here to help our families back home. If we are forced to return, we will be joining a growing number of unemployed persons. The Nigerian government should help us negotiate with the Emirates.”
He lamented that he would soon lose his accommodation and would be forced to return to Nigeria.
Another Nigerian said if the office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, does not rescind the directives to empty the country of Nigerians, he would not be able to accept the new job offer.
The Nigerian migrant workers wondered why they were being discriminated against in the Emirates.
one of the affected Nigerians said, “They are renewing the travel papers of other nationalities; it is only Nigerians that they are doing this to. I know many Nigerians do crazy things, but they should not tar innocent people with the same brush as well. When Pakistanis and other Asians do terrible stuff, they don’t treat them like this.”
So far, Nigerian embassy in Abu Dhabi has not been responding to inquiries.
The UAE embassy in Nigeria and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission have not responded to SaharaReporters’ requests for comment on the plight of Nigerian immigrants in UAE as of press time.
Comments are closed.