New passport control at Arar border crossing welcomes Umrah pilgrims for Ramadan 1447 with advanced services
The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the continuation of receiving pilgrims arriving through the New Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH. The Passports Directorate has worked to complete the entry procedures for pilgrims smoothly and easily, as part of a well-structured operational plan aimed at facilitating the journey of pilgrims and Umrah performers from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom.
Maximum readiness and modern technologies
The General Directorate of Passports confirmed its full readiness to receive the increasing numbers of Umrah pilgrims. Passport control areas at the port of entry have been staffed with qualified personnel trained to assist pilgrims in multiple languages, and counters have been equipped with the latest technology, including fingerprint and biometric verification systems. This step aims to ensure the speed and accuracy of entry procedures and reduce waiting times, reflecting the significant development witnessed in the Kingdom's passport sector in line with its digital transformation goals.
New Arar border crossing: A vital artery and gateway to fraternal relations
The new Arar border crossing holds immense strategic importance, not only as a border crossing but also as a bridge of fraternal communication between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the sisterly Republic of Iraq. The full operation of the crossing to receive pilgrims is a direct result of the strengthened Saudi-Iraqi relations, which have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. The crossing serves as the main land artery connecting the north of the Kingdom with the Iraqi heartland, facilitating trade and the movement of travelers, especially those heading to the Two Holy Mosques who previously endured the hardship of longer journeys or expensive flights.
Vision 2030 and serving the guests of God
This significant focus on developing services at land border crossings, including the New Arar crossing, falls within the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , specifically through the "Guests of God Service Program." The program aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the Hajj and Umrah experience, facilitating the hosting of more pilgrims from around the world while providing them with the highest quality services. All government agencies at the crossing, including passport control, customs, and health services, work as a unified system to ensure the comfort and safety of visitors.
A call to abide by the regulations
In closing, the General Directorate of Passports emphasized the importance of pilgrims adhering to all regulations and instructions governing Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom, from fulfilling visa requirements to respecting departure dates. It noted that compliance with these procedures ensures a smooth and legally manageable pilgrimage, and affirmed its commitment to utilizing all available resources to serve visitors until their safe departure from Saudi Arabia.
