The Nigerian government has denied claims that Saudi Arabia has placed a visa ban on Nigerians and citizens of 12 other countries.

In a statement from Alkasim Abdulkadir, media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, it was confirmed that the viral memo spreading online is not true. The Saudi authorities have officially said there is no such visa ban.

The fake document, which listed countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, India, and Pakistan, was described as incorrect and misleading. The Ministry urged people to ignore the rumor and always get their travel information from reliable and official sources.

Earlier this week, social media was filled with reports claiming that Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended visa applications for Nigerians and other countries. The rumor linked the suspension to preparations for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

It was said that the suspension was to stop people from trying to travel without proper permits, which could cause safety and planning problems. However, the Nigerian government has made it clear that these reports are false.