Jeddah: Vice President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Dr. Bandar AbalKhail, visited the hall dedicated to the 'Makkah Route Initiative' at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. During the visit, Dr. AbalKhail reviewed the procedures and efforts put in place to facilitate the journey of pilgrims, focusing on accelerating the completion of their formalities and providing optimal services to enable them to perform their rituals efficiently.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Makkah Route Initiative aims to deliver services to pilgrims from participating countries by completing their procedures in their home countries. This process involves the collection of biometric data, electronic issuance of Hajj visas, and passport formalities at the departure airport, contingent upon the verification of health requirements. Pilgrims' luggage is systematically coded and sorted to align with transportation and accommodation plans, allowing them to board buses directly to their residences in Makkah and Madinah via dedicated routes. Partner entities ensure the smooth delivery of their belongings.
The Ministry of Interior heads the initiative, now in its eighth year, in collaboration with the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media. Other partners include the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), SDAIA, the General Authority for Awqaf (GAA), the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports, all in cooperation with the digital partner stc Group. Since its inception in 1438 AH (2017), the initiative has successfully served 1,254,994 pilgrims.