Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday that more than one million pilgrims have benefited from the Makkah Route Initiative since its launch, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to serving pilgrims.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative is carried out in coordination with several government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Ministry of Media; the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA); the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority; the General Authority for Awqaf; the Pilgrim Experience Program; and the General Directorate of Passports.

As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative streamlines pre-travel procedures for pilgrims at 11 airports across seven countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Türkiye, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Services begin in the pilgrims’ home countries with biometric data collection, electronic Hajj visa issuance, and passport processing, ensuring compliance with health protocols. Luggage is tagged and sorted according to transportation and accommodation details, and pilgrims are transported directly upon arrival to their residences in Makkah and Madinah.

The program, led by multilingual national teams and supported by advanced technology, ensures a smooth and spiritual experience for all participants.