Saudi Arabia's 'No Haj Without a Permit' ensures a seamless pilgrimage

MINA, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its commitment to a safe and organised haj through its annual regulatory campaign, 'No Haj Without a Permit'.
The initiative remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom's vision for a seamless pilgrimage.
Aimed at both domestic and international pilgrims, the campaign highlights Saudi leadership's dedication to ensuring safety, comfort, and order, while preventing disruptions that have historically affected haj.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), 'No Haj Without a Permit' tackles key challenges such as unauthorised pilgrims, road congestion, and fraudulent haj campaigns that leave pilgrims vulnerable to harsh conditions.
For haj 1446 AH, the Kingdom emphasises that a successful pilgrimage is a collective national, security, and organisational responsibility.
Measures include proactive awareness messaging, heightened security checkpoints at Makkah's entry points, advanced monitoring technologies, and strict penalties for violations.
This year's Arafah Day showcased the campaign's effectiveness, SPA reported. Pilgrims adhered to instructions, arriving at designated camps on time, leading to unprecedented traffic flow and clear roads around Arafat and Namirah Mosque.
A sense of tranquillity prevailed as pilgrims performed essential rituals, supported by comprehensive government services. Authorised pilgrims received designated spaces within holy sites, ensuring access to housing, catering, healthcare, and modern transportation. Smart applications further enhanced awareness efforts.
Coordinated efforts ensured efficient pilgrim movement via buses and trains. The Nusuk Card and technical supervision systems played a crucial role in regulating pilgrim compliance. Heightened awareness campaigns and cross-sector coordination reinforced adherence to guidelines.
The Interior Ministry's Makkah Route Initiative, now in its seventh year across 11 international airports, continues to streamline arrivals, having facilitated over one million pilgrims since 2017.
This year's haj achievements align with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of enhancing haj and Umrah services, delivering a safe and seamless experience for all pilgrims.– BERNAMA

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