Saudi Passports: Technical and human resources provided to welcome pilgrims

The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless and intensive efforts to welcome pilgrims arriving from all corners of the earth to perform Umrah, through all air, land, and sea ports of entry. These efforts are part of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at facilitating the pilgrims' travel procedures with ease and convenience, ensuring a comfortable and spiritually enriching journey from the moment they arrive in the Holy Land.

Harnessing technology and human resources to serve pilgrims

The General Directorate of Passports is dedicating all its material and human resources to serving pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques. These preparations include equipping service centers with the latest advanced technology, including biometric (fingerprint) devices and automated verification systems, which contribute to expediting operations and reducing waiting times.

In addition to the technical equipment, the Passports Department ensured the provision of highly qualified and trained human resources, who possess public relations skills and speak multiple languages ​​to communicate effectively with pilgrims of different nationalities, thus removing language barriers and facilitating the guidance and direction process within the arrival and departure halls.

The context of the national vision and the development of Hajj and Umrah services

These efforts cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the "Guests of God Service Program," which aims to transform the Hajj and Umrah experience. Historically, entry procedures were time-consuming and manual, but in recent years the Kingdom has undergone a massive digital transformation in the passport sector, making the arrival and departure experience much smoother and more efficient than in previous decades.

Strategic importance and expected impact

These measures are of paramount importance on several levels:

• Locally: These facilities enhance the efficiency of the security and service system at the ports, and support the national economy by revitalizing the religious tourism sector and supporting services.
• Regionally and internationally: The Kingdom’s success in managing the flow of millions of pilgrims annually reflects its high organizational capacity and consolidates its leading position in the Islamic world as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, leaving a positive impression on Muslims around the world regarding the quality of services provided to them.

A call to abide by the regulations

In closing its statement, the General Directorate of Passports stressed the importance of pilgrims adhering to the regulations and instructions governing Hajj and Umrah, from arrival procedures to on-time departure, to ensure they do not face any legal repercussions and to contribute to the success of the season.