The Embassy of Nigeria in Doha, Qatar, has advised Nigerians travelling to the Arab country for the World Cup to adhere to the rules of the host country.
The Mission issued the advisory on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
It also admonished Nigerians not to fall prey to visa fraud, noting that the special World Cup visa called the ‘Hayya card and entry permit’ could not be changed to a work visa or permit.
The statement read: “As soccer-loving fans eagerly await the commencement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup holding in Qatar, the Embassy of Nigeria in Doha, Qatar, warmly welcomes fans from Nigeria that will be travelling for the tournament.
“The Embassy wishes to strongly advise that Nigerian fans travelling for the soccer fiesta should endeavour to obey and respect the laws of the host country while in Qatar and ensure that they comply with all relevant guidelines/requirements for visiting fans before embarking on any trip.
“More so, the Embassy wishes to state unequivocally that the special world cup visa called the Hayya card and entry permit cannot and will not be changed or transferred to work visa or permit.
“Nigerians should, therefore, not fall victim to unscrupulous elements spreading fake news in that regard to rip off innocent Nigerians.
“On a final note, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria encourages all visiting fans to enjoy the best experience at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar, H E Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed, had earlier said Nigeria has always enjoyed a good relationship with Qatar.
“We’ve always enjoyed good relations between our two countries, and Nigeria is standing with Qatar to ensure a very successful tournament. Nigerians, in one way or another, have contributed to the success of the FIFA World Cup in their own way.
“For example, the tournament’s first official theme song featured a prominent Nigerian musician, Davido, and it is on record that the song scored very high reviews and was well accepted globally,” the Ambassador said.
“Also, Nigerians constitute a considerable portion of the over 20,000 volunteers taking part in the World Cup. “By and large, football is Nigeria’s national sport, and though, it is unfortunate that our team would not be playing in Qatar, Nigeria’s impact would no doubt be felt at Qatar 2022.”
