First Maldives Hajj pilgrims arrive in Jeddah under Makkah Route Initiative

The first flight carrying Maldivian pilgrims under the Makkah Route Initiative for the 1447 AH Hajj season arrived in Jeddah on Saturday from Velana International Airport in Malé.

The pilgrims landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport as part of the initiative aimed at streamlining travel and entry procedures for Hajj pilgrims from participating countries.

Services begin with biometric enrollment and the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by the completion of passport procedures at the departure airport after verifying compliance with health requirements.

Under the program, pilgrims complete biometric registration, electronic Hajj visa issuance and passport procedures at their departure airports after meeting health requirements, allowing them to bypass lengthy procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative also includes coding and sorting luggage according to pilgrims’ transportation and accommodation arrangements in the kingdom.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly on designated buses to their residences in the Makkah and Madinah regions, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior is overseeing the initiative for the eighth consecutive year in coordination with several government ministries and authorities.