RIYADH, Feb 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Saudi Arabia on Thursday suspended visas
for pilgrims wishing to visit Mecca over coronavirus fears, the foreign
ministry said.
The government is “suspending entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of
Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily”, the foreign ministry
said in a statement, referring to the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be
undertaken at any time of year.
Umrah attracts tens of thousands of devout Muslims from all over the globe
each month.
The foreign ministry said it was also suspending visas for tourists
visiting from countries where the new virus is a “danger”.
Even as the number of fresh cases declines at the epicentre of the disease
in China, there has been a sudden increase in parts of Asia, Europe and the
Middle East.
Iran has emerged as a major hotspot in the region, where 15 people have
succumbed to the disease — officially known as COVID-19.
The Gulf states of Kuwait and Bahrain have also announced additional cases
this week.