JEDDAH: The Ministry of Interior has announced the successful conclusion of the Makkah Route initiative for this year’s Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Operating across 17 ports in 10 countries, the logistical program facilitated the pre-clearance and arrival of 388,694 pilgrims to the Kingdom on 1,227 dedicated flights.
Launched in 2017, the Makkah Route “leverages all available resources to streamline the Hajj journey directly from pilgrims’ home countries,” the SPA reported. “Operating within an integrated ecosystem involving multiple relevant authorities, it ensures a seamless and safe pilgrimage for all beneficiaries.”
A flagship component of the Pilgrims Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative expanded this year to include Senegal and Brunei Darussalam. They join Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Maldives as beneficiaries of the scheme.
“Utilizing state-of-the-art infrastructure, including 38 service stations, 60 mobile units, and 120 AI-powered mobile counters, Saudi authorities completed comprehensive entry procedures for each pilgrim in just 40 seconds prior to departure,” according to the SPA. The service includes electronic visa issuance, biometric data collection, health verification, and passport clearance.
Upon landing in Jeddah and Madinah, pilgrims bypass regular immigration checks and baggage claim, boarding dedicated transport to their accommodation, while authorities deliver their luggage directly to their rooms.
Implemented by the Ministry of Interior, the initiative operates in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media, among other authorities.
