November 29, 2021
1 min read

S. Africa condemns travel ban over Omicron

South Africa’s president has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron…reports Asian Lite News

Cyril Ramaphosa said he was “deeply disappointed” by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.

The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.

S. Africa condemns travel ban over Omicron

Omicron has been classed as a “variant of concern”. Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.

The heavily mutated variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month and then reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) last Wednesday, the report said.

The variant is responsible for most of the infections found in South Africa’s most populated province, Gauteng, over the last two weeks, and is now present in all other provinces in the country.

On Monday, Japan became the latest country to reinstate tough border restrictions, banning all foreigners from entering the country from 30 November, the report added.

The WHO has warned against countries hastily imposing travel curbs, saying they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”. However, numerous bans have been introduced in recent days amid concerns over the variant.

WHO’s Africa director Matshidiso Moeti said on Sunday: “With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity.”

In his speech, Ramaphosa said there was no scientific basis for the travel bans and that southern Africa was the victim of unfair discrimination, the report added.

ALSO READ: S. African President warns about fourth wave as Omicron spreads

He also argued that the bans would not be effective in preventing the spread of the variant.

“The only thing the prohibition on travel will do is to further damage the economies of the affected countries and undermine their ability to respond to, and recover from, the pandemic,” he said.

Previous Story

Bangladesh all set for investment boom

Next Story

‘France not a hostage to UK’s migration policy’

Latest from Africa News

India, South Africa boost cultural bonds

On Wednesday, Shekhawat participated in the 4th G20 Cultural Working Group Plenary Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. ..reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met

UN slams attacks on civilians in El Fasher

The office said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners remain committed to scaling up their life-saving support across Darfur…reports Asian Lite News UN humanitarians, alongside their partners in Sudan, are warning

India, Chad tighten defence bond

India strengthens its strategic footprint in Africa as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Chad’s envoy explore new avenues of military cooperation, training, and counter-terrorism collaboration….reports Asian Lite News Defence Secretary Rajesh

India, Honduras strengthen trade, investment ties

Ambassador Singh invited Honduran businesses to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding economy…reports Asian Lite News Reaffirming their commitment to mutual growth and prosperity, Tegucigalpa hosted a business seminar titled ‘Viksit Bharat

India, Uganda vow deeper ties

Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday to discuss strengthening India–Uganda ties….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sanad joined with MEPC for regional expansion

UAE-KSA collaboration will leverage Sanad’s and MEPC’s capabilities in providing

Antonio violations of Palestinians rights threaten two-state solution

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said constant violations