Why Saudi Arabia Suspended Lesser Hajj

By Chuks Ekpeneru

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced suspension of visas for pilgrims wishing to visit Mecca.

AFP reports that the move was part of attempts to curb the spread of Coronavirus, AFP reports.

A statement from the Saudi foreign ministry said on Thursday it suspended entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah (lesser hajj) and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily.

It said it was also suspending visas for tourists from countries where the new virus is a “danger”.

Thousands of Nigerians are set to be affected by the suspension. No fewer than 65, 000 Nigerians performed the hajj in 2019.

The temporary visa ban only affects those planning to go for the lesser hajj for now. The hajj itself is expected to take place in July.

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