By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Ministry of Interior in Qatar has dismissed reports claiming that it imposed new visa rules on Nigerian passport holders.
A ministry official told newsmen on Wednesday that there are no restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit the oil rich country.
Social media reports had alleged that Qatari authorities introduced a travel ban preventing male applicants from entering the country unless they were travelling with their families.
The reports also claimed that only women or families could apply for visas, with additional requirements such as a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before applying for a travel or transit visa.
In the viral reports, the alleged restriction was linked to frequent cases of overstays by travellers of Nigerian origin.
However, Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, clarified that the visa application process remains unchanged.
“There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made, they will be announced on our official platforms,” the platform stated.
Qatar has witnessed increased visits from Nigerians in recent years, partly due to the diplomatic spat between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2024, which led to visa restrictions and suspension of flights.