Qatar has dismissed reports claiming it has introduced new visa restrictions on Nigerians.
On Tuesday, several social media posts and blogs alleged that the Qatar’s ministry of interior had imposed stricter regulations on Nigerians due to rising cases of overstays.
According to the online reports, the supposed measures applied to both tourist and transit visas, affecting even pending applications.
They further claimed that only women and families would be eligible to apply, while male travellers would be barred unless accompanied by family members.
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The purported policy also required applicants to provide proof of return flights, alongside five-star hotel bookings, before visa requests could be processed.
But on Wednesday, an official of the Qatar embassy in Nigeria told TheCable that there was “no official information or updates” confirming such restrictions.
The BBC also reported that Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, maintained that the visa application process remains unchanged.
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“There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made in this regard, they will be announced on our official platforms,” it said.
Qatar has hosted a significant number of Nigerian visitors in recent years, with the Gulf nation serving as both a transit hub and a tourist destination.
