Pakistan Today

Saudi embassy denies banning transgenders from Umrah

TOPSHOTS Muslim pilgrims circle counterclockwise Islam's holiest shrine, the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca, late on September 20, 2015. The annual hajj pilgrimage begins on September 22, and more than a million faithful have already flocked to Saudi Arabia in preparation for what will for many be the highlight of their spiritual lives. AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH

The Saudi embassy in Islamabad on Friday denied reports that a ban was imposed on transgender people from performing Umrah.

“There is no truth in reports that Saudi Arabia has barred transgenders from going to the holy land for pilgrimage,” a clarification by the embassy said.

Earlier, media reports said that a ban was imposed by the Saudi authorities on transgenders who are willing to perform Umrah.

Reports said that the Saudi Consul Generals in different countries, including Pakistan, have issued a notification, advising travel companies not to submit the visa applications of transgender persons.

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