Corona virus outbreaks have spread almost everywhere in the world. In order to prevent transmission, the Government of Saudi Arabia officially suspended the Umrah permit for all countries, including Indonesia.

The temporary suspension of the Umrah pilgrimage was officially announced through an announcement or announcement from the Government of Saudi Arabia through a circular letter from Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim and Zan as received by Suara.com, Thursday (27/2 / 2020).

“According to instructions received by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding preventive measures taken by the Kingdom to prevent the arrival of the new Corona virus, and in some preventive steps, the entry of non-Saudis into the Kingdom for Umrah purposes and visits have been suspended and visa issuance has been temporarily suspended , “

“The ministry also confirmed that companies, Umrah companies and external agents canceled future orders from its history until further notice,” said Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim and Zan in their announcement.

Reporting from the page of the SPA news agency on Thursday (2/27/2020), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia stated that the Saudi health authorities followed developments related to the spread of the corona virus.

For this reason, the Kingdom feels it is necessary to take preventative measures whose impacts affect the journey to and from the Gulf state.

The kingdom seeks to fight the spread of the virus by implementing international standards and supporting the international community in preventing the spread of the virus, especially the World Health Organization (WHO).

To achieve this goal and ensure the highest level of security for Saudis, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends preventive measures through the application of several policies, namely:

Permission to enter the pilgrimage and / or pilgrimage to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina was suspended.

Entry permits using tourist visas from countries experiencing corona virus outbreaks, with criteria set by Saudi health authorities, have been suspended.

The use of national identity cards (not passports) for travel to and from the Kingdom is stopped. Exceptions are given to local residents who leave Saudi Arabia using their national identity cards, or citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council who want to return from Saudi Arabia by showing their national identity cards.

Meanwhile, for citizens who hold national identity cards who wish to enter Saudi Arabia, the authorities will consider where the individual came from and his travel history.

The Saudis stressed that these measures are temporary and will continue to monitor developments.