Jeddah: In a major blow to NRIs, Oman has decided to impose strict measures during the holy month of Ramadan to limit the spread of Coronavirus.
In a significant development, it has restricted the entry of Non-Omanis and Non-Oman visa holding foreigners effective from Thursday. Until now, Indians including a significant number of Hyderabadi NRIs of Saudi Arabia were traveling from home to Saudi Arabia via Oman. With the latest restriction, this route will be closed until further notice.
However, foreigners with an Oman Residency visa can enter the country.
Some thousands of NRIs have been traveling to Saudi Arabia via Oman after the former banned the entry of any passenger from India with a rider that they can enter the country only after 14 days after leaving India. NRIs had opted to spend 14 days in Oman prior to embarking for Saudi Arabia.
“I was shocked to know the restriction as I have arranged travel plans to bring my wife through Oman to Saudi Arabia”, said J Abhishek, hailing from LB Nagar in Hyderabad and working as a software professional in Riyadh.
In Oman and elsewhere in the Gulf, Ramzan is celebrated with large gatherings, group prayers at mosques, and several other activities. Taraweeh prayers, which are the additional ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night after the Isha prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, will not be allowed.
Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.
Click to follow Telangana Today Facebook page and Twitter .