The official pointed out that a centralized visa system helped reduce operating costs and increase follow-ups and observations to ensure procedures adhered to bylaws and coordination needs among the various involved government departments, including the Passport Department offices at the country's ports of entry.

The Kingdom's missions not only issued the visas but also distributed information pertaining to health requirements and recommendations and other Haj-related booklets and brochures.

Al-Salloum called on all Haj pilgrims to ensure they leave the Kingdom before the expiration dates of their Haj visas.

An estimated 800,000 domestic pilgrims have been granted Haj permits, putting the estimated number of permit-wielding Haj pilgrims at over 2.56 million.