Makkah: The Makkah Route Initiative, a key initiative of the Ministry of Interior under the Pilgrim Experience Program within Saudi Vision 2030, streamlines the Hajj journey from pilgrims' home countries and reflects the Kingdom's commitment to the two holy mosques and their global visitors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, integrated Saudi teams stationed at international airports in beneficiary nations deliver high-quality services by fully processing Hajj procedures in the pilgrims' country of departure to ensure a seamless experience from the moment pilgrims leave home until their safe return.
These teams complete all necessary travel arrangements for pilgrims in their home countries, including verifying health requirements, capturing biometric data, issuing electronic visas, completing passport control, and coding and sorting luggage for direct transfer to accommodations in Makkah or Madinah. This streamlined process eliminates lengthy waiting times upon arrival.
Since its launch in 2017, the Makkah Route Initiative has expanded rapidly, benefiting over 940,657 pilgrims by 2024. This year, the initiative is active in 11 airports across seven countries: Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Trkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, and C´te d'Ivoire.
This initiative significantly enhances the Hajj experience through its ease, organization, and speed, ensuring pilgrims arrive directly at their accommodations. It highlights Saudi Arabia's effective and modern management of mass gatherings by simplifying travel and reducing airport congestion.
Beyond advanced logistics, the Makkah Route Initiative is a humanitarian endeavor that demonstrates the Kingdom's profound commitment to pilgrims by proactively assisting them from departure to safe return. This comprehensive approach underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to serving pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques, aligning seamlessly with Vision 2030's goals for enhancing the Hajj experience.