Saraki urges Qatar to end visa restriction for Nigerians

President of the Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki has called on Qatar to end its visa restriction on Nigerians.

Saraki, a statement by his Media Office said, spoke at a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior  Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, in Doha.

The Senate president, who led a National Assembly delegation to the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Doha, lamented that the visa ban was preventing Nigerians from visiting the Middle East nation.

He noted that lifting the ban would help Qatar showcase its vast opportunities, technological advancement and other achievements.

Saraki, while calling for more collaboration between the two countries,  lauded the resilience of the Qatari government

He said there was need to set up a a legal framework to enable skilled persons and professionals in Nigerians to legally work in Qatar.

Saraki said: “I want to commend your fighting spirit in standing up for your rights. You have demonstrated that you mean well for your people and what you have done is worth emulating.

“That said, I think both countries  (Nigeria and Qatar) need to strengthen their ties, especially our parliaments.  We need to collaborate to achieve many things together. The collaboration will be good for the two countries and for our people.

“I want to make an appeal that the visa restrictions placed on Nigerians be lifted. Nigerians are good people and we travel a lot.

“This restriction is not good for both countries and I urge you to reconsider your position on that. The world needs to see the good things you are doing here, and lifting your visa ban on Nigerians will encourage more people to come here and enjoy your beautiful country.

“In the area of sports, we need to do more together. Nigeria is a sport-loving country. We have talented people in various parts of the world, including Qatar, doing great things in sports. If we collaborate, we will be able to develop that sector too.”

Al-Thani promised to look into the visa restriction and ensure it was resolved soon.

Saraki had bilateral meeting with Mr. Kenneth Lusaka, speaker of Kenyan Parliament, with both leaders calling for more collaboration between their countries.

The Senate president also met with the IPU President, Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron,  who will visit Nigeria in June.