Muslim pilgrims touch the Kaaba stone ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, early Monday, Aug. 28, 2017.

:: Saudi General Directorate of Passports has sent a number of its employees to Malaysia to complete procedures of pilgrims entering the country from Kuala Lumpur Airport for Hajj.

The initiative was implemented in order to facilitate the procedures that the pilgrims undergo while coming to the Kingdom and provide the best services to them. The procedures for pilgrims’ entry at the airport in Kuala Lumpur, are the same as the ones performed at the airports in Saudi Arabia.

The data of the pilgrim, such as his passport, registration of details and personal image are processed from Malaysia. When pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia, their data is only matched with their passport, which leads to speedy completion of their arrival and entry procedures.

The first country

Malaysian pilgrim, Islam Brakrsh, expressed his gratitude to King Salman and the Saudi government for choosing Malaysia to be the first country to register pilgrims from its territory, pointing out that the initiative is very helpful and convenient.

It allows entering the Kingdom in record time, which is indicative of the success of the experiment. The procedure conducted in collaboration with the National Information Center, is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. It is part of the program to provide more services to pilgrims as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

The new service is expected to contribute significantly to satisfaction of pilgrims and visitors of holy sites.