Riyadh: Streamlining Pilgrims’ Journeys with the Makkah Route Initiative
In a bid to enhance the experience of pilgrims, the Director-General of Passports Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya has announced the launch of the Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
During the initiative’s unveiling at the airport on Sunday, Al-Yahya highlighted the integration of a mobile counter-verification device, powered by AI and cutting-edge digital solutions, to expedite processes for beneficiaries of the program.
First introduced in 2019, the initiative currently involves 11 airports across seven countries, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Its primary objective is to deliver top-tier services to Hajj pilgrims hailing from the participating nations.
Under this initiative, biometric information is gathered in the pilgrims’ home countries and all necessary procedures are completed there. Additionally, an electronic Hajj visa is issued in the pilgrim’s country of origin.
The General Directorate of Passports in the Kingdom will ensure that all health requirements are met prior to pilgrims’ arrival, while their baggage will be meticulously coded and arranged in accordance with transportation and accommodation plans.
Pilgrims will be transported to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah via bus, with partner agencies handling the separate transportation of their luggage.