Why stranded Nigerians are not evacuated from UAE – FG

Aug. 23, (THEWILL) — The federal government explains why the evacuation of more than 300 Nigerians stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was delayed.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was working with the Nigerian delegation and UAE authorities to help Nigerians stranded in the country for various reasons, including Overstaying, lost passports and lack of documents, especially for babies, to the UAE police’s pending cases.

It said the evacuation procedure must be completed by the relevant UAE authorities before repatriation.

“The Nigerian Federal Government has taken note of the news circulating on social media that some Nigerians stranded in the country have been abandoned by the Nigerian Mission in the UAE, making it difficult for them to return home,” the statement read.

“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 stranded in the country for various reasons, including overstaying, lost passports and Lack of documentation, especially in infant cases, and pending cases with UAE police.

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“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 check the details of the stranded Nigerians in order to issue emergency travel certificates to those who do not have identification.

“On the other hand, the UAE authorities will process immigration documents for overstayers, who are in the majority and are required by law 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 afford to pay the fines, however, the UAE government will face the corresponding penalty of a 10-year ban. Those detained by the police for other suspected crimes must be cleared, and those without documents or identification, Babies, in particular, will be rectified through legal procedures.

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

“The Federal Government would like to take this opportunity to call on Nigerians in the UAE to remain law-abiding and refrain from actions that would cause them untold hardship.”