Travel Agent Clarifies Qatar Operations Suspension

A travel agent, Mr Emmanuel Nwachukwu, has clarified circumstances surrounding the temporary suspension of BFD Travel and Tours’ operations in Qatar by the country’s Ministry of Interior (MOI), following an alleged immigration breach involving some Nigerian visitors.

In a statement yesterday, Nwachukwu, the caretaker of the company, said the suspension followed a group tour organised by BFD Travel and Tours in November 2025, during which over 200 Nigerians travelled to Qatar.

He explained that after the group’s arrival, Qatari authorities reported that more than 30 individuals absconded, in violation of the terms of their entry into the country.

“As a result of this development, the Qatar Ministry of Interior temporarily suspended the company’s operations pending the identification, tracing and recovery of the absconded individuals,” he said.

Nwachukwu, however, denied any prior knowledge or involvement in the actions of the affected individuals, stressing that they acted independently and without the consent or authorisation of the company’s management.

He noted that BFD Travel and Tours has operated in Qatar for over 15 years, providing travel and tour services in compliance with the country’s laws and regulations.

The caretaker further reaffirmed the company’s respect for Qatari laws and its willingness to cooperate fully with relevant authorities to ensure a speedy resolution of the matter.

He added that the clarification was necessary to reassure the public, business partners and authorities of the company’s commitment to lawful operations, transparency and the protection of its long-standing reputation in Qatar.