Ministry of Islamic Affairs has asked companies taking pilgrims for Umrah to put the trips on hold as Saudi Arabia has temporarily closed its borders due to fear of COVID-19.
The ministry said Saudi Arabia has closed its borders and stopped issuing visas for pilgrims due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. Hence, the ministry asked Maldivian companies taking pilgrims to Makkah to put Umrah trips on hold until Saudi Arabia opens its borders again. The Government of Saudi Arabia has not specified a duration for the ban.
Upon the announcement, several Maldivian companies taking pilgrims to Makkah have cancelled Umrah trips scheduled for March. Owner of Al-Safa Hajj and Umrah Group Abdulla Naseem revealed the group had to cancel the trip at the last minute. Naseem said the luggage of pilgrims were already in the airport and boarding passes had already been obtained when the announcement was made. He further said the group does not know when the trip can be made, adding discussions are being held with the Islamic ministry regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has also cancelled its scheduled Umrah trip for March. The corporation said it will be notifying pilgrims on how to proceed following the cancellation of the trip.
The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led to strict border control measures in several countries.