Saudi Arabia bans pilgrims over COVID-19 fears, Abante denied flight

House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. was prevented from boarding his flight to Jeddah from Dubai after Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended the entry of pilgrims due to fears of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Abante was on an official trip to Jeddah to discuss the proposed Department of OFWs with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.

The airline denied Abante passage after receiving an advisory from Saudi Arabia concerning entry restrictions.

The Philippine consulate in Dubai is assisting Abante in securing a provisional visa for the UAE while awaiting the lifting of the ban by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the entry suspension is temporary and specifically for Umrah and visits to the Prophet's Mosque.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was reportedly unaware of the travel restrictions on the Philippines, with Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez stating they were confirming the exact details of the ban as of Friday morning, February 28.