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Kenya on Saturday formally asked Saudi Arabia to reverse its decision to suspend travel to and from the East African country over an Ebola outbreak, warning that the restrictions threaten trade, tourism and employment.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry issued a diplomatic protest note after the Health Ministry described the restrictions as excessive.
The note urged Riyadh, the Saudi capital, to lift the measures, which include suspended visas and a ban on travelers who have been in Kenya within the previous 21 days.
“Suspending visas and barring anyone who has been in Kenya in the last 21 days is a blanket, punitive measure not supported by epidemiological evidence in the country,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry also asked Saudi Arabia to provide the World Health Organization (WHO) with scientific justification for the restrictions within 48 hours.
According to the ministry, all nine Ebola cases in Kenya are linked to a single imported infection. It said there has been no community transmission and no new cases since Oct. 19.
The ministry said the restrictions would affect Kenyan pilgrims, workers, students and businesses. Nairobi also said it would raise the issue with Africa’s disease control agency.
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