Rappler
Saudi Arabia bans Filipino tourists over coronavirus outbreak
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern over reports of Filipinos being denied entry into Saudi Arabia, which has temporarily suspended entry for visitors with Umrah and tourist visas as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is monitoring the situation and seeking clarification on Saudi Arabia's policies, while the DFA pledged assistance to affected Filipinos.
House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. was reportedly among those barred from entering Saudi Arabia despite holding a diplomatic passport.
In a related incident, around 200 Filipino seafarers on the Westerdam Cruise Ship were refused shore leave in Manila due to COVID-19 concerns and tighter regulations.
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