JEDDAH, 22 January — Saudi Arabia has banned Ugandans intending to perform Haj this year in the light of WHO reports on the spread of the Ebola virus in the East African country. A Haj Ministry source told the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the move was part of government efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
Under a quota fixed by the Organization of Islamic Conference, 150 Ugandans were to do the pilgrimage this year. The source said the Kingdom was closely monitoring the outbreak of infectious diseases in different parts of the world. "On the basis of that we'll ban pilgrims to prevent the spread of deadly diseases during Haj," the source added. He said the Kingdom has laid out certain conditions for Haj visas to pilgrims coming from the African countries that are listed as infested states.
