Qatar has rolled out a fresh set of stringent visa restrictions that specifically target unmarried Nigerian men, effectively banning them from applying for tourist or transit visas. This new regulation comes after Qatari authorities cited a rising trend of Nigerian travellers overstaying their visas beyond the legally permitted period, a situation they say has strained the country’s immigration system.
According to a detailed statement released by the Ministry of Interior of Qatar, only families and female applicants will now be eligible for consideration under the tourist and transit visa categories. Male applicants, however, will only be considered if they are accompanied by their immediate family members. This marks a significant tightening of the Gulf state’s entry policies, one that is expected to affect a large number of potential Nigerian visitors.
In addition to barring unmarried men, the Ministry also introduced tougher conditions for those who still qualify. Applicants must now show proof of confirmed return tickets and verifiable hotel reservations before their visas will be processed. Importantly, the policy stresses that only bookings made in five-star hotels will be accepted for visa approval, effectively ruling out cheaper accommodation options for Nigerian visitors.
“These updated visa regulations are aimed at curbing the growing number of overstayers. A confirmed return transfer and hotel booking are now mandatory before your tourist or transit visa application can be processed. Only females or family applicants are eligible under the new rules. Male travellers will no longer be accepted unless accompanied by their family. Furthermore, only five-star hotels will qualify for visa approval,” the official statement read in part.
The new restrictions have retroactive implications as well, meaning that not only will future applications be affected, but also pending visa requests that have not yet been finalized. Nigerians already awaiting visa approvals will find themselves subject to the same conditions, and in many cases, disqualified altogether under the new policy framework.
The announcement has already sparked widespread discussion online and among the Nigerian travel community, with many describing the move as discriminatory and overly harsh. Nonetheless, Qatari authorities have remained firm on their stance, stressing that the measures are necessary to protect the integrity of their immigration system and reduce visa abuse cases.
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