Bahrain, which was the first country to impose an illegal blockade on the country, has now made visas mandatory for Qatari citizens wishing to travel to the country.

The Bahrain News Agency reported the nation’s king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as saying that it was time to take firmer action against those ‘resorting to foreign sides to threaten brotherly countries and put their safety at risk.’

The comments came a day after Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa called for the suspension of Qatar’s membership from the GCC until it responds to the demands of the four blockading countries.

The new visa policy will only apply to Qataris and not to citizens of the other GCC countries, who will continue to be able to enter Bahrain by showing their identity cards, reported Al Jazeera.

The king said the measure is part of Bahrain’s efforts ‘to preserve the security and the safety of the kingdom.’

The move came a day after US news programme 60 Minutes broadcast an interview with HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who said Qatar would not bow to external pressure.