Qatar has completely dismissed widely circulating reports claiming it has introduced new visa restrictions on Nigerians.
On Tuesday, it was published on numerous websites and social media posts claiming that because of an increase in overstay instances, Qatar’s interior ministry had tightened its rules for Nigerians.
Reports claim that the purported restrictions affected both transit and tourist visas, including those that were still pending.
The report further added that male travellers would not be allowed to apply unless they were accompanied by family, and that only women and families would be allowed to apply.
The purported policy also required applicants to provide proof of return flights, alongside five-star hotel bookings, before visa requests could be processed.
However, a representative of the Qatari embassy in Nigeria has denied these claims, tagging them as misleading, also adding that there was “no official information or updates” verifying these limitations.
The BBC also reported that Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, maintained that the visa application process remains unchanged.
“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.
In recent years, Nigerian tourists have been to Qatar in large numbers, using the Gulf country as a transit hub and a travel destination.
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