539 Stranded Nigerians Couldn't Obtain UAE Work Permits - NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency said most Nigerians who were evacuated to the country after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates complained that they could not obtain work permits due to a new government policy of the Middle Eastern country.
The PUNCH reported that 542 Nigerians were evacuated from the UAE and arrived at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday.
According to NEMA, the evacuees who returned on the Max Air flight consisted of 79 men, 460 women and three infants.
Speaking to our correspondent, Head of Media Unit, NEMA, Manzo Ekeziel said plans were in place to see the return of more Nigerians stranded in the UAE.< /p>
He said: "The federal government has received a communication and has decided to support them in their return to the country. I don't know if there is a diplomatic dispute or not.
He continued: "Some of them couldn't come today, but arrangements are being made for them to be transported, maybe tomorrow. I'm not sure of the total number of those remaining.
"One of the evacuees, Blessing Okorie, from Ebonyi State, interacted with, blamed a new visa policy; and that they couldn't get a work permit .
"She said she traveled to this country with valid papers, but after some time, according to her, the UAE government came up with a new visa policy which prevented her from get a work permit. Because of this, she was fired from her workplace and, according to her, had to hustle. »
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission revealed that the evacuees had been given $100 each to facilitate their return home.
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The National Emergency Management Agency said most Nigerians who were evacuated to the country after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates complained that they could not obtain work permits due to a new government policy of the Middle Eastern country.
The PUNCH reported that 542 Nigerians were evacuated from the UAE and arrived at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday.
According to NEMA, the evacuees who returned on the Max Air flight consisted of 79 men, 460 women and three infants.
Speaking to our correspondent, Head of Media Unit, NEMA, Manzo Ekeziel said plans were in place to see the return of more Nigerians stranded in the UAE.< /p>
He said: "The federal government has received a communication and has decided to support them in their return to the country. I don't know if there is a diplomatic dispute or not.
He continued: "Some of them couldn't come today, but arrangements are being made for them to be transported, maybe tomorrow. I'm not sure of the total number of those remaining.
"One of the evacuees, Blessing Okorie, from Ebonyi State, interacted with, blamed a new visa policy; and that they couldn't get a work permit .
"She said she traveled to this country with valid papers, but after some time, according to her, the UAE government came up with a new visa policy which prevented her from get a work permit. Because of this, she was fired from her workplace and, according to her, had to hustle. »
Meanwhile, a statement released by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission revealed that the evacuees had been given $100 each to facilitate their return home.
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