Saudi Passports: A comprehensive plan to receive pilgrims for 1445 AH through the ports of entry
With the approach of the Hajj season for 1445 AH, the General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it has intensified its efforts and raised its readiness to the highest level to receive pilgrims arriving from around the world. These preparations are part of a comprehensive system of services provided by the Kingdom to ensure a safe and convenient Hajj experience. All international land, sea, and air entry points have been equipped with the latest technologies and qualified personnel to complete entry procedures smoothly and quickly.
Historical background and importance of serving pilgrims
Serving the pilgrims of the Holy House of God is a historical honor and responsibility that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undertaken since its founding. Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, with millions of Muslims flocking to Mecca annually to perform the rituals. Over the decades, the Kingdom has developed its infrastructure and organizational and logistical capabilities to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims, investing in projects to expand the Two Holy Mosques, develop airports and border crossings, and employ the latest technologies to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims, reflecting its deep commitment to serving Islam and Muslims.
A comprehensive operational plan for the Hajj season
The official spokesperson for the General Directorate of Passports, Major Nasser Al-Otaibi, explained that the operational plan for this season focuses on supporting passport control points at entry points with qualified and trained personnel who speak multiple languages to facilitate communication with pilgrims arriving from diverse cultures. He added that these personnel are equipped with the latest technology, which contributes to expediting the verification of travel documents and visas and the registration of biometric data (fingerprints), thus reducing waiting times and ensuring the accuracy of security procedures.
Local and international importance and impact
The importance of these efforts extends beyond the local level to encompass regional and international dimensions. Locally, these preparations enhance the Kingdom's positive image and highlight its exceptional ability to efficiently manage massive crowds. Internationally, the success of the Hajj season reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and provides a model to be emulated in logistical and security organization. Furthermore, initiatives such as the "Makkah Route," which allows pilgrims to complete passport and customs procedures at airports in their home countries, stand as a testament to Saudi innovation in serving the guests of God and have garnered widespread international acclaim.
Technology in service of pilgrims
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed that procedures begin with welcoming pilgrims and guiding them to designated routes, followed by verifying the validity of their documents and Hajj permits. In this context, the Directorate emphasized that entering the Holy City of Mecca during the Hajj season requires obtaining official permits. To facilitate this, permits are issued electronically through advanced platforms such as "Absher" for individual employers and the "Muqeem" portal for establishments, in conjunction with the "Tasreeh" platform. This ensures that permits are read automatically at screening points without the need to visit passport offices, representing a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of Hajj services.
