Corovirus: Saudi Arabia Government halts visa for pilgrimage

The Saudi Arabia Government has suspended issuance of visas for prospective pilgrims to Mecca over fears of Covid-19, earlier known as corovirus, and this suspension is coming some months ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

Penpushing reports that the foreign Ministry confirmed this development and it is said that, the suspension will also stops foreigners from reaching, the Kaaba, as well as affecting travel to Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in Medina..

The Government in similar vein, suspended entry to those with tourist visas from nations affected by the new virus, and this will equally affect the holy pilgrimage known as Umrah, which can be performed at any time of the year.

Penpushing further reports that, the decision was indication that  the Saudi authorities are worried about the outbreak potentially spreading into the country, hence, a proactive measure  to keep out the epidemic as much as possible.

The Saudi is yet to record any confirmed case of the disease, while Iran is currently the hot-spot for the disease in the Middle East, just as there are  fresh cases said to be constant on the rise in some parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East..