Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia bans Umrah hajj

Saudi Arabia has suspended entry into the country for visitors hoping to perform the Umrah hajj over coronavirus fear.

The country has placed the temporary ban in an attempt to ensure public safety by preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

A number of precautionary restrictions were announced early on Thursday as health authorities in the Kingdom closely monitor the spread of the virus.

Tourist-visa holders from countries judged to pose a particularly high risk of spreading the virus will also be denied entry.

Most foreign pilgrims often visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah before or after the completion of their religious duties in Makkah, this has also been halted.

In addition, Saudi nationals and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council nations will not be able to use a national identity card to travel to and from the Kingdom for the time being. Exceptions to this shall be granted to Saudis returning home, and citizens of GCC countries who are in the Kingdom and want to return to their home countries, provided that they left or entered the Kingdom using a national identity card.

Nearly 7 million Umrah pilgrims visit the Kingdom each year, the majority of whom arrive at airports in Jeddah and Madinah.

Dhaka/Mukul