Dakar: The Makkah Route Initiative was launched for the first time in Senegal at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, marking the initiative’s eighth year of operation, now spanning 10 countries and 17 international ports.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Acting Director General of the General Directorate of Passports Maj. Gen. Dr. Saleh Al-Murabba stated that the initiative consolidates efforts to streamline pilgrim entry procedures before arrival at the holy sites, affirming that the Kingdom has mobilized all technical and human resources in the service of pilgrims.
Under the initiative, pilgrims complete the Kingdom entry procedures in Senegal and, upon arrival, are transferred directly to Makkah and Madinah by dedicated transport, with luggage delivered to their residences.
The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with relevant government ministries and authorities, with stc Group as digital partner. Since its 2017 inception, the initiative has served over 1.25 million pilgrims.