The National Emergency Management Agency has explained why some Nigerians were evacuated back to the country after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
According to NEMA, Nigerian citizens complained of not being able to get a work permit because of a new policy by the government of the Middle East country.
Note that 542 Nigerians were evacuated from the UAE and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday.
NEMA said the evacuees who returned on board the Max Air flight consisted of 79 males, 460 females, and three infants.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Head of the Media Unit, NEMA, Manzo Ekeziel, said plans were in place to see the return of more Nigerians stranded in the UAE.
He said, “The Federal Government received communication and decided to support them back to the country. I don’t know if there’s any diplomatic row or not.
“There are some of them that could not come in today but arrangements are on for them to be transported, maybe tomorrow. I’m not sure of the total number of those still left behind.”
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission revealed that the evacuees were given $100 each to facilitate their return home.
