Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry from 20 Countries from Feb. 3 over Pandemic

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry from 20 Countries from Feb. 3 over Pandemic

Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday suspended entry to the Kingdom from 20 countries, with the exception of diplomats, Saudi citizens, medical practitioners and their families, to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The temporary ban, effective from Feb. 3, includes people arriving from the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Britain, South Africa, France, Egypt, Lebanon, India and Pakistan, announced an official source at the Interior Ministry.

The ban also included Argentina, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, Portugal, Turkey, Switzerland and Japan.

Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah had warned on Sunday that complacency around coronavirus restrictions had led to a notable increase in daily cases in the Kingdom.



Albudaiwi: Attack on Saudi Hospital in El Fasher Violates International Laws

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi: Attack on Saudi Hospital in El Fasher Violates International Laws

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi has strongly condemned the recent attack on a Saudi hospital in Sudan’s El Fasher, which resulted in multiple casualties.

He emphasized that this flagrant attack constitutes a serious violation of international laws, treaties, and UN resolutions, all of which call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.

He also underscored the urgent need to provide full protection for medical personnel and healthcare facilities in Sudan, ensuring they can carry out their humanitarian duties, particularly in light of the grave challenges faced by the Sudanese people.

Albudaiwi highlighted the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and called for holding accountable those responsible for violations that endanger innocent lives and hinder humanitarian efforts.