How Nigerians Cult Activities In Dubai Caused UAE Visa Sanctions
Afnews Editor
Sep 05, 2022
The visa sanctions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came with a rude shock to the citizens last week.
READ ALSO: NBA: Hundreds sign petition to bar El-Rufai from speaking at conference
The action came after a series of lawless actions in recent years. Owing to the development, several Nigerians were left stranded at the Dubai airport last week.
The Western Asia nation of around 10 million people is popular for its many spectacular tourist attractions that bring millions of tourists annually.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
In the early 2000s, Nigerians started to take interest in Dubai, the emirates' most popular city, for shopping and vacation.
READ ALSO: Use Your Wealth Of Experience To Redefine Governance In Abia - Onuigbo Tells Otti
By 2010, some had settled in after taking paying jobs, while others decided to move there to also seek a better life for themselves and dependents.
READ ALSO: DAKKADA: 5 Years Into The Journey
It turned out that UEA's hospitality was taken for granted as violent incidents involving Nigerians increased in certain parts of the country.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
At different times, the authorities issued cautionary statements to visitors and migrants to stop disorderly conducts and respect the laws.
But the warnings fell on deaf ears for some; while a few got away with it, others paid the price through heavy fines, jail term or deportation.
READ ALSO: Eid El Maulud: Prof Gregory Ibe Felicitates With Muslims
The last straw that broke the camel's back were the clashes that broke out in Sharjah in July this year between cult groups.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
In a video which went viral on social media, rival gang members bearing dangerous weapons fought each other in a public place and damaged properties.
The police arrested those identified and commenced their prosecution. Apparently angered by the footage, the security agency banned publishing or forwarding clips.
READ ALSO: Emefiele's Siblings Suit Against DSS, AGF, Striked Out | READ DETAILS
Anyone who does so violates article 52 of the UAE Federal Law No 34 of 2021 on countering rumors and cybercrimes.
READ ALSO: Niger Juntas Reveal What They Will Do To ECOWAS Forces If They Attack
The law warns against the dissemination and circulation of provocative news that could incite public opinion, disturb peace, spread terror, cause harm to the public interest, health and economy.
READ ALSO: NBA: Hundreds sign petition to bar El-Rufai from speaking at conference
The punishment is at least one year of imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dhs100,000.
After the incident, the government suspended visas for Nigerians. Though it was later relaxed, Nigerians under 40 years old will now bear the brunt.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Henceforth, those who fall under the age category cannot get tourist visas, except if it involves a family.
READ ALSO: Use Your Wealth Of Experience To Redefine Governance In Abia - Onuigbo Tells Otti
The UAE, led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is known for its strictness against lawlessness and zero tolerance for acts against the well-being of its people.
READ ALSO: DAKKADA: 5 Years Into The Journey
In 2020, the government convicted six Nigerians found guilty of providing funds to Boko Haram. An unnamed Nigerian government official was reportedly indicted.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
The United States government followed up by listing the convicts as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.
They are: Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu and Bashir Ali Yusuf.
READ ALSO: Eid El Maulud: Prof Gregory Ibe Felicitates With Muslims
Still, Nigeria has failed to arrest/prosecute/convict any terrorism sponsor despite losing thousands of citizens, private and public properties worth billions of naira to the sect's carnage and destruction.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Boko Haram has been active for nearly two decades. Its breakaway factions are Ansaru and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— Afnews Editor