The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has noted that the recent incidents of various cult clashes and crimes committed by Nigerians in Dubai have caused stringent visa accessibility requirements for males below 30 years.

Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa

She also said the unfortunate killing of Nigeria’s Alika Ogorchukwu, who was beaten to death in Italy is a priority concern for the Nigerian embassy in that country, which is seeking justice.

On Visa accessibility by Nigerians; “I think a few Nigerians have taken bad behavior too far and we have to admit and accept that. It is not about profiling or generalization, it has gone too far. So, what the Dubai authorities have done is they have made their visa processes more stringent. So, if you are below 30, no visa for you if you are male below 30. It is very difficult, they have made it so stringent that you are not likely to fulfill it. It doesn’t matter who you are”.

“Secondly, if you’re looking to Dubai now, you have to provide a six-month bank account, you have to have your return ticket and you must show proof of accommodation and if you lie, they are going to know and turn you back.

“So, let’s learn to obey laws of other countries and just do the right things because there are too many good Nigerians in Dubai”, she said.

Also giving an update on Ogochukwu’s case, she said that the Italian Government has been very corporative and that Nigerian consulate would not leave any stone on turned.

“In the case of Alika, the autopsy is out and he died of suffocation. A meeting is actually ongoing, just like yesterday with the Nigerian ambassador, and officials with the Italian authorities on the next steps forward. The person is with the police and now the next step is to charge to court.

“And as of yesterday, 15,000 euros were actually donated to Alex’s wife. It was a contribution by the Italians, the Nigerian community and everybody rallied around to support this particular course that was really a case of evil wickedness.

“And the Nigeria Ambassador to Italy is of course demanding that this case must be tried to the logical conclusion. No excuses whatsoever. And the Italian authorities are very cooperative. In fact, they’ve been very, very cooperative, because they all admitted that this really is one death that didn’t need to happen. So, the Nigerian ambassador is on top of the situation”, she added.

Recently, the United Arab Emirates, UAE, imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians after cult clashes between rival groups Eiye and Aiye caught on a video that went viral, where the group were seen with machetes and were yelling in an apartment parking lot, chasing one other and damaging public properties erupted in Sharjah part of the country allegedly perpetrated by Nigerians.

Logo of Dubai police

Following this recent development, the police released a statement on 21st July 2022, that said the suspects are of African origin and warned residents against engaging in violence.

“The Dubai Police has arrested a group of people, who were engaged in a heated argument in their residence at late hours) The group of African people appeared in a viral video on social media platforms while fighting in a public place and damaging properties”, the statement read.

Story: Asma’u Sani

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