MATTA Responds To The Suspension Of The Umrah And Tourist Visas

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 February 2020 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) wishes to notify members of the suspension of entry into the Saudi Arabia for Umrah and visits to the Al Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

MATTA Deputy President Haji Mohd Akil Bin Mohd Yusof says “We are closely monitoring reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is suspending entry into the country from citizens of the countries affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.”

“The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed that the application system for new visa is temporarily suspended, therefore no new visa will be issued until further notice.”

“The economic repercussions of the suspension are very severe to the businesses of the Umrah tour operators. We hope that this will only be a temporary measure and that this suspension will quickly be lifted as soon as the situation subsides and that the Umrah pilgrimage will resume as normal.”

“MATTA will keep a close eye on this most recent order toward preventing negative impacts to our members’ businesses. Clear set of rules of the suspension are crucial, so that Umrah tour operators can serve their customers.”

“In the meantime, MATTA will be working closely with the related authorities to facilitate on the current and upcoming Umrah travel arrangement”, he concluded.


HAJI MOHD AKIL BIN MOHD YUSOF
Deputy President MATTA
Term 2019 - 2021