56,000 pilgrims arrive for Haj

JEDDAH: More than 56,000 pilgrims, or an average of 13,000 pilgrims daily, have arrived in the Kingdom so far via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah since the start of the Haj season this year.
During a recent visit and inspection of all arrival halls and passport procedures at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Director General of Passports Maj. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Yahya said all international air, land and sea ports have been equipped with trained and prepared cadres to inspect documents and complete passport procedures as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Nearly 1,800 staff are working at King Abdulaziz Airport and Haj terminals, including security officers and personnel with experience in dealing with pilgrims.
Al-Yahya called for strict compliance by all pilgrims with regulations and instructions, which have been adopted to ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims during their arrival, stay and departure from the Kingdom. He said strict punishments will be applied against any violators, including anyone who transports or employs regulation violators, noting that specialized administrative committees under the directives of the General Directorate of Passports are working around the clock to monitor all activities from their locations at service centers in Al-Shumaisi, Al-Taneem, Al-Kar and Al-Baheeta.