Some Nigerians have been stranded in Saudi Arabia for more than seven months, according to a video circulating on social media.
The viral video showed some men bodies – wrapped in black polythene bags lying on the floor in a packed room.
A male narrator in the video 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.
@abikedabiri pic.twitter.com/9uahLtY4Tq
— APC KSA (SAUDI ARABIA) (@KsaApc) January 21, 2021
According to an Twitter user @KsaApc who said the video, some of the affected persons were not able to renew their residencies in the Muslim country.
He tweeted;
I spoke with one of the brothers and he told me that his brother was among the detainees. Part of them have ended their stays and do not have the ability to renew and the other does not have regular residencies.
I spoke with one of the brothers and he told me that his brother was among the detainees. Part of them have ended their stays and do not have the ability to renew and the other does not have regular residencies.Please @nidcom_gov to intervene and provide assistance to them.
— APC KSA (SAUDI ARABIA) (@KsaApc) January 21, 2021
In reaction to the viral video, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in a tweet on Friday said;
The evacuation was delayed due to issues relating to Covid-19. We appeal to Nigerians to resist traveling abroad without proper documents. It’s become very dangerous and more difficult.
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 @NpoReports
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) January 22, 2021
The evacuation is expected to be carried out in two batches of 400 and 200 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NIDCOM chief said.
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 https://t.co/jOVfE6BblH
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) January 22, 2021
It would be recalled that NIDCOM in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic intervened in cases of stranded Nigerians abroad, facilitating the return of over 5000 Nigerians from different countries.
