Millions of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia every year to perform Hajj or Umrah, seeking spiritual cleansing and heavenly rewards. The country's leadership has invested heavily in infrastructure and human capacity development to make pilgrims' stays memorable and desirable. Saudi Arabia's authorities have implemented a virtual camera system to detect crime and traffic offenses, making it a safe and secure destination for pilgrims. The country's commitment to providing a seamless experience for visitors is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and services.
Despite the country's efforts to provide a welcoming environment, some residents, particularly non-nationals, have been accused of taking advantage of pilgrims' lack of knowledge and limited exposure to make money fraudulently. They engage in sharp practices in securing accommodation, purchasing souvenirs, and providing logistics and other related services. This undermines the spiritual attributes of the holy cities and creates a negative experience for pilgrims. Many of these residents are semi-illiterate and from countries such as Bangladesh, Yemen, and Egypt.
Nigerian pilgrims and residents in Saudi Arabia face unique challenges, including racial discrimination and unspoken bias. They are often subjected to jesting and teasing, with some being referred to as "shinkafa-kaza." Nigerians are also derogatorily called "Tukari." These experiences can be disheartening and affect the dignity of Nigerians. According to Prof MK Othman, a Nigerian who recently visited Saudi Arabia, the treatment of Nigerians is a major concern.
Many Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia have spent decades in the country, but they face difficulties in obtaining residency and integrating into society. They are required to pay an annual residence fee of about 9,000 Riyals, equivalent to over ₦4 million, which is hardly affordable for many. Failure to settle the payment promptly attracts penalties, including deportation, suspension of the visa, and imprisonment. This has created a complex and often problematic situation for Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consul General in Jeddah have a crucial role to play in supporting Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia. They must embark on diplomatic efforts to engage with Saudi Arabian authorities and advocate for the rights of Nigerian residents. Additionally, they should educate Nigerians on regularizing their stay in the holy land and provide them with necessary support and guidance.
The Saudi Arabian government's nationalization policy, known as "Tadiyya – Dankasa," which was previously granted to deserving Nigerians, has been suspended. This has made it difficult for Nigerian immigrants to become Saudi citizens. As a result, many Nigerians are forced to live in menial jobs and lack access to educational opportunities. They contribute significantly to the development of their host country but face challenges in integrating into society.
To change the narrative of Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia, a collective effort is required from both the Nigerian government and the Saudi Arabian authorities. The two countries must work together to provide educational opportunities to Nigerian immigrants and address the challenges they face in obtaining residency and integrating into society. By doing so, Nigerians can be empowered to contribute positively to their host country and enjoy a better quality of life.
Key points
- Nigerians in Saudi Arabia face racial discrimination and harsh living conditions.
- The Nigerian Embassy and Saudi Arabian government must work together to support Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia.
- Many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia lack access to educational opportunities and face difficulties in obtaining residency.
