Passports authorities continue to receive pilgrims and facilitate entry procedures through ports of entry
The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its tireless efforts to welcome pilgrims arriving from around the world to perform Umrah, through all of the Kingdom's international entry points (air, land, and sea). These efforts are part of a comprehensive system of services provided by various government sectors to ensure the smooth flow of entry and the completion of travel procedures with ease and peace of mind.
Harnessing technology to serve pilgrims
The General Directorate of Passports is harnessing all its material and technological resources to serve pilgrims visiting the Holy Mosque in Mecca. Designated service points for pilgrims at airports, seaports, and land border crossings have been equipped with the latest advanced technology. This includes electronic passport reading systems and biometric (fingerprint) devices, which effectively reduce passenger waiting times and expedite entry procedures, reflecting the Kingdom's digital transformation in the government services sector.
Qualified human resources and multilingualism
In addition to technological upgrades, the General Directorate of Passports has ensured that its passport control centers are staffed with highly qualified and trained Saudi personnel. These employees are distinguished by their ability to handle crowds efficiently and their fluency in several international languages, facilitating communication with pilgrims from diverse nationalities and cultures and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and have their inquiries answered immediately upon arrival in the Kingdom.
Keeping pace with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These efforts are particularly important within the context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the "Serving the Guests of God" program, which aims to transform the Hajj and Umrah experience. Through these measures, the Kingdom seeks to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims annually, while providing a seamless and comfortable spiritual experience from arrival to departure. Streamlining passport procedures is a cornerstone of the positive impression visitors have of the services offered at the Two Holy Mosques.
Compliance with regulations and instructions
In closing, the General Directorate of Passports emphasized the importance of pilgrims adhering to the regulations and instructions governing Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom. It stressed the necessity of respecting the visa validity period and departing on schedule to avoid any legal repercussions and to contribute to the smooth flow of movement for all visitors and pilgrims.
