By Ayodimeji Falade
The United Arab Emirate government announced on 18th of October visa restrictions on Nigeria and 19 other countries.
This travel ban was conveyed to travel business partners including travel agencies. The Dubai authorities said all applications will be rejected with immediate effect.
Sadly, Dubai authorities have not given any specific reason for this action.
Nigerians have made Dubai their biggest travel choice for business, tourism, or employment with minimal restrictions from the government.
But some Nigerians have been linked to shady businesses and crimes.
1. Hushpuppi Saga
Raymond Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi was arrested in June 2020 over money laundering and cybercrime.
With this event, Dubai government has been on high alert on Nigerian residents in the country. And have uncovered more crimes in their country.
Other Nigerians with alleged linkes are: Tony Roma, Woodberry, Sean escaper among others.
2. Cultism and public peace disturbance
In July 2020, a viral video of Nigerians harassing people and destroying properties on the streets of Dubai circulated throughout the internet.
They were alleged cultists engaging in rival fight. Many have been arrested and jailed in Dubai over the years.
All these may have now led to total ban of Nigerians into the country.
3. Theft and hooliganism
There have been instances of Nigerians involved in burglary and robberies in the UAE in past few years. 19 Nigerians were arrested for breaking into an ATM vault, another 5, Chimuanya Emmanuel Ozoh, Benjamin Nwachukwu Ajah, Kingsley Ikenna Ngoka, Tochukwu Leonard Alisi and Chile Micah Ndunagu were arrested for robbing a Bureau D Change firm of over 2.3 million Dirham.
4. Terrorist hideout
UAE is anti-terrorism country, as their policies are fully against terrorist operations, but some Nigerian terrorists and their financiers have chosen Dubai as a place to hide and operate from.
This led to the arrest of 6 Nigerians who are notable financiers of Boko Haram on the homeland of Dubai after giving out over 46 names of Nigerians involved in terrorism operations in Dubai.
As much as Nigerians blame leadership for the woes they face in terms of economy, security, and infrastructure. They must also condemn criminal actions.
Bad Nigerians in Dubai have created a barrier for other Nigerians with true intentions to enter and add value to the country.
The ban affects the following nations: Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo,
Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Comoros and Dominican Republic.
