The Federal Government has announced that about 600 Nigerians, who have been stranded in Saudi Arabia for more than seven months, will be evacuated in two batches on January 28 and 29, 2021.
The Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the announcement on Friday, while reacting to a viral video that shows many Nigerian wrapped in black polythene bags, lying on the floor in a packed room.
In the video, a male narrator said: “We are here more than three months, six months, seven months ago, without any action, no better information on transport to Nigeria.”
“According to the rules and regulations of this location, we are not supposed to be here for more than two weeks.
“Most nationals of other countries have been flown back to their countries. Only we Nigerians don’t have any source or way of getting back. I’m here on behalf of others to seek your assistance to get us back to our country.”
Reacting on her Twitter page, Dabiri-Erewa said the stranded Nigerians would soon be evacuated back home on January 28 and 29 in batches of 400 and 200 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The NIDCOM boss, who appealed to Nigerians to resist traveling abroad without proper documents, explained that the evacuation of the stranded citizens was delayed due to issues relating to Covid-19.
“Nigerian irregular migrants in Saudi Arabia are due to be evacuated on the 28 and 29th of Jan. pending any unforeseen issues.
“Their evacuation was delayed due to issues relating to Covid 19. We appeal to Nigerians to resist traveling abroad without proper documents.
“There are plans for evacuation, 28, 29 Jan, in two batches of 400 and 200 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Also embark on enlightenment campaigns for our people to desist from irregular migration. It’s become very dangerous and more difficult.”
KanyiDaily had also reported how some Nigerians living in Dubai said they were forced to leave United Arab Emirates (UAE) after authorities refused to renew their work permits in the oil-rich Middle East country.
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