Umrah Ban: President Jokowi Respects Saudi’s Authority Decision

President Jokowi answers reporter’s questions, Jakarta, Thursday (27/2). (Photo by: PR/Rahmat).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday (27/2) stated he respects the Saudi’ Government’s move to temporarily suspend issuing umrah (minor hajj) visas amidst the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Middle East.

“Government of Saudi Arabia prioritizes health and safety of its citizens,” President Jokowi said in Jakarta.

According to the President, the suspension also applies at least to 25 other countries, adding that the suspension could affect 150,000-200,000 Indonesian umrah pilgrims over the next months.

For the record, Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia on its press release announced that the Kingdom will temporarily ban foreigners for traveling to its country for umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

The Ministry also stated that the Kingdom also temporarily stops granting visas for foreign tourists from countries that have reported cases of coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia also halted the use of the Gulf Cooperation Council cards as entry permits and has warned its citizens against traveling to countries exposed to Covid-19. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas