Saudi Arabia Stops Umrah Due to Coronavirus Fears
Saudi Arabia has banned entry of pilgrims from foreign countries to the holy cities of Mecca and Madina for Umrah, due to fears over a coronavirus outbreak
The spread of coronavirus has led to panic around the world. Now Saudi Arabia has banned entry of pilgrims from foreign countries to the holy cities of Mecca and Madina for Umrah. Umrah is the second most important pilgrimage in Islam after Hajj.The Saudi Arabian government has banned Umrah till March 13 and halted the entry of pilgrims from other countries due to concerns over the rapid spread of coronavirus worldwide. However, this ban will not be applicable for people travelling on work visas.As per information given by officials of Airport Authority of India, a circular has been issued from the Saudi Arabia government in this regard. “We cannot allow any passenger to fly for Saudi Arabia till further notice from the Saudi Arabia government,”
Many flights with around 3,000 passengers from India were not allowed to land by the Saudi government on 26th February 2020. The flight of Etihad Airlines from Kolkata was returned from Dubai. Meanwhile, 128 passengers were stopped at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.Passengers were extremely angry and said that, They had come from so far and were suddenly stopped from travelling to Saudi Arabia. Had they been informed in advance it would have saved their time. However, the officials at Lucknow airport interacted with the passengers and informed them that the same visa and ticket will be acceptable once the Saudi government lifts the ban.
17 people have died till now in Italy due to the coronavirus. Which is why people were in a hurry to leave Italy.
Also 85 students are stuck in the university town of Pavia in Italy as all the flights are getting cancelled. Students are even more worried because one person at the Pavia University has tested positive for Coronavirus. 15 of the staff members were quarantined. Students are very worried and are requesting the government to help.
