Qatar bans entry of people from India, Pakistan and 12 other countries amid outbreak

Muscat: Qatar government said on Sunday that it is temporarily banning entry of people coming from India, Pakistan and 12 other countries in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

The Government Communications Office in Qatar said that the decision includes the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.

The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors, according to Qatar News Agency.

The statement said the step comes in line with Qatar’s efforts to take all necessary preventive measures to limit the spread.

The State of Qatar urges all citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time, according to Qatar News Agency.