Abandoning Nigerians in UAE is untrue, misleading

Aidoghie Paulinus from Abuja

The federal government says reports on social media about the abandonment of stranded Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are untrue and misleading.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The attention of the Nigerian federal government has been drawn by news circulating on social media that the Nigerian mission in the UAE has abandoned some Stranded Nigerians. In that country, it makes it hard for them to get home.

“The allegation is completely untrue and misleading as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian delegation have been working closely with UAE authorities to help more than 300 Nigerians who are stranded in the country for various reasons, including overstaying, lost passports, Lack of documentation, especially in the case of babies, pending cases with UAE police.

“Affected Nigerians are nationals from other African countries who are being held at the Al Aweer Immigration Office’s detention centre pending their cases being considered by the relevant authorities and legal proceedings being completed before deportation.

“Since the start of the saga on 15th August 2022, the Nigerian delegation has been working hard to sort out the details of stranded Nigerians with a view to issuing Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) to those who do not have identification.”

The federal government also said that, on the other hand, UAE authorities will process immigration documents for overstayers, who are in the majority and are legally required to pay fines.

“Some of the affected Nigerians have been fined more than $10,000 each. The UAE government is willing to waive fines for those who cannot pay, but not without a corresponding fine of a 10-year UAE ban. Those in police custody for other suspected crimes must Cleared, while those without documents or identification, especially infants, will be rectified through legal process.

“The various procedures mentioned above must be completed by the relevant UAE authorities before the federal government can repatriate the affected Nigerians.

The government also said: “The Federal Government wishes to take this opportunity to call on Nigerians in the UAE to abide by the law and refrain from actions that would cause them untold hardship.”