Sierra Leone expressed its disapproval of Australia's travel ban from people coming from the Ebola-ridden countries in West Africa, saying that the move was not only discriminatory, but was also counterproductive.

Aside from the West African country, the group Amnesty International has also condemned Australia's decision.

Like Us on Facebook

According to Alpha Kanu, information minister of Sierra Leone, the ban was "too draconian," adding that that there is already an existing measure employed at the Freeport Airport in Sierra Leone which prohibits people who have tested positive from the virus from traveling.

On Monday, the Australian government announced that it temporarily suspend the travels of non-permanent visa holders from the Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa. In addition, they will also halt the processing of new temporary visa applications.

On the other hand, people traveling from West Africa who are permanent visa holders will still be allowed to enter the country, but they would have to undergo a 21-day quarantine period prior to their departure.

According to Kanu, the move was "discriminatory" in nature, saying it was not directed towards the outbreak, but was going against the 24 million citizens of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. 

The Australian government's move is "absolutely counterproductive," he said.

However, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said imposing travel restrictions from countries with Ebola will "curtail efforts to combat the outbreak."

In addition, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said the measure and Ebola response of the nation was an effort to "protect Australians."

Meanwhile, Ofwondo Opondo, spokesperson of the Ugandan government, said Westerns countries' immediate response to the outbreak is creating a "mass hysteria," which is not helping contain the disease.

If the panic continues, the fear will spread from ordinary citizens to medical workers, which will further impede in combatting the outbreak, Opondo explained.

Additionally, a spokesperson for the civil rights group Amnesty International said instead of helping fight the virus, the travel ban is trapping healthy and vulnerable citizens in the Ebola-ridden countries.

TagsSierra Leone, Australia, travel ban, West Africa, what is ebola, Ebola outbreak