JEDDAH: The first group of pilgrims from Yemen — 270 in total — have arrived in Jeddah, where they were received by the Yemeni Vice Consul General Ahmed Al-Saadi, and officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ministry announced last week that it will facilitate the arrival of Yemeni pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season from Sanaa International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The Yemeni pilgrims praised the facilities and services provided by the Saudi government to help them complete their pilgrimage with ease and comfort. Meanwhile, the Kingdom continues to serve pilgrims through the expanded Makkah Route initiative. Pilgrims from countries including Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye and Cote d’Ivoire have praised the initiative implemented in their countries. The first Moroccan Makkah Route beneficiaries also arrived in Jeddah and were received by Director of Passports Department Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Youssef. Launched in 2019 in Muslim-majority countries, the scheme allows Hajj pilgrims to fulfill all visa, customs and health requirements in one place, at their airport of origin, saving hours of waiting before and on arrival in the Kingdom. The process begins with the issue of electronic visas and individual information collection, followed by streamlined passport procedures before departure. Stickers are placed on luggage and passports containing information regarding the flight and place of residence of each pilgrim. The tagging service is carried out by a specialized team working under the supervision of the ministry. Teams at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport receive the luggage and deliver it to the pilgrim’s accommodation. Jadidat Arar Land Port, a new pilgrim hall, has also been established to improve the facilities provided to pilgrims and streamline the operational processes. The hall can accommodate over 20,000 pilgrims, as well as 400 buses daily. It features 68 passport counters and six areas designated for inspection and processing procedures. Pilgrims from Iraq, totaling 16,000, have praised the services and modern facilities provided at the hall, and conveyed their appreciation and gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the excellent support and accommodation.