Indonesia will temporarily bar the entry of foreign travelers from eight African countries in a bid to prevent the spread of new COVID-19 variant, an official of the Law and Human Rights Ministry has confirmed.

“The eight countries are South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Nigeria,” Head of the ministry’s Public Relation and General Affairs Division Arya Pradhana Anggakara said in a statement here Sunday.

The entry of those from or ever visiting the eight African countries 14 days before arriving in Indonesia would directly be barred at the country’s  immigration check points, he explained.

The regulation was issued in response to the dynamic emergence of new COVID-19 variant, B1.1.529, from outside Indonesian territories, he revealed adding that it was then followed by the regulation on restrictions for international travelers who will visit Indonesia.

In addition, the directorate general has temporarily suspended the issuance of visitor visas and limited stay visas for the citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Nigeria, he confirmed.

The restriction and visa suspension for those countries will come into effect on November 29, 2021.

The regulation of foreigners other than the eight countries still refers to the Law and Human Right Minister Regulation No.34 of 2021 on the Visa Issuance and Immigrating Stay Permit during the 2019 Corona Virus Disease Handling Period and the National Economic Recovery.

“If the public need the further consultation, they may contact us via livechat at www.imigrasi.go.id on working days and working hours,” he remarked.

Source: Antara News