The Makkah Route Initiative successfully served 30% of pilgrims from abroad in 1445 AH
During a press conference for Hajj security forces leaders, Major General Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Murabba, Commander of the Passport Forces for Hajj, affirmed that the General Directorate of Passports has dedicated all its human and technological resources to serving the pilgrims of the Holy House of God. He pointed out that the Makkah Route Initiative has played a pivotal role in facilitating the entry procedures for the pilgrims, thus enhancing the smooth flow of movement and ensuring their safety from their arrival at the Kingdom's entry points until their safe departure.
The historical development of Hajj services and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Historically, serving the pilgrims of the Holy House of God has always been an honor and a great responsibility that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has borne since its founding. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, and specifically the “Serving the Guests of God” program, the Hajj system has witnessed a radical transformation and an unprecedented qualitative leap. It is no longer limited to traditional reception, but has evolved into an integrated hospitality industry based on innovation and facilitating the spiritual journey. These developments came in response to the steady increase in the number of pilgrims year after year, which necessitated proactive solutions that ensure the pilgrim's comfort and allow them to focus on worship without the burden of lengthy bureaucratic procedures at airports and border crossings.
The regional and international impact of the success of the Makkah Route Initiative
Regionally and internationally, the Makkah Route Initiative a resounding success, reflecting the Kingdom's soft power and its ability to export a sophisticated administrative and technological model. Major General Al-Murabba revealed the expansion of this initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Interior, with the number of participating countries increasing to 10, utilizing 17 stations and airports outside the Kingdom. He noted that the percentage of pilgrims arriving via the initiative this year reached approximately 30% of the total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad. This achievement leaves a profoundly positive impression on the governments and people of Islamic countries, as pilgrims' procedures are completed in their home countries, allowing their luggage to be transported directly to their accommodations, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Islamic world in managing large crowds.
The latest technological devices to facilitate the entry of pilgrims
Al-Murabba'a explained that all international entry points have been reinforced with qualified personnel capable of communicating with pilgrims in multiple languages to provide support and assistance. These sites have also been equipped with the latest technology, including mobile counters, tablets, tamper detection devices, and electronic gates. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to develop and test the readiness of technical systems and conduct technical simulations to ensure uninterrupted operations.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad
The commander of the Hajj passport forces announced the near completion of the arrival phase for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, explaining that the total number of arrivals so far has reached 1.5 million. These pilgrims were distributed as follows: 1.4 million via air ports, 45,000 via land ports, and more than 6,000 via sea ports. Operations at the ports are managed through a command and control center that monitors all locations and provides immediate support and intervention when needed.
Strict application of regulations and instructions
Regarding enforcement of regulations, Major General Al-Murabba' emphasized the strict application of laws and regulations against unlicensed transporters. He explained that quasi-judicial administrative committees operate at four locations at the entrances to Mecca (Al-Tan'im, Al-Bahita, Al-Shumaisi, and Al-Karr) and are responsible for issuing administrative decisions. Penalties for transporting pilgrims without a permit can include a fine of 50,000 riyals per pilgrim, imprisonment for up to six months, deportation of the expatriate transporter and a ban on re-entry into the Kingdom, confiscation of the vehicle, and publicizing the violations.
Security integration and verification of pilgrims' identities
He emphasized that the General Directorate of Passports issues permits through advanced digital systems such as “Absher” and “Muqeem.” Regarding security integration, the Directorate provides support to all security and service agencies through mobile field teams that verify the identities of pilgrims in hospitals and accommodation centers using vehicles and smart devices. The General Directorate of Passports also participates in planning committees and provides demographic statistics to support decision-making. Major General Al-Murabba concluded by urging adherence to the instructions, asking God to grant the pilgrims a blessed Hajj, accepted efforts, and a safe return to their homelands.
