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- Northern Borders crossing allows smooth entry through integrated health, security, and logistical services
RIYADH: The Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region received the first groups of pilgrims arriving from Iraq to perform Hajj, under the supervision of the region’s governor, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan.
Pilgrims’ entry procedures were completed smoothly and efficiently through integrated services provided by government entities at the crossing, ensuring orderly movement and swift processing, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The Saudi authorities are mobilizing capabilities to serve pilgrims by providing health, security, organizational, and logistical services, in line with the leadership’s directives to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
The General Directorate of Passports also affirmed its readiness for this year’s season, highlighting its efforts to facilitate entry procedures by using all available capabilities.
This includes enhancing its platforms at international ports (air, land, and sea) with the latest technologies, operated by qualified personnel proficient in pilgrims’ languages, the SPA reported.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority also confirmed it had completed early preparations at the Jadidat Arar Port through a comprehensive customs service system to facilitate entry procedures for pilgrims arriving from Iraq.
The Hajj terminal at the crossing covers 9,000 sq. meters and can accommodate more than 20,000 pilgrims and more than 400 buses a day, according to the SPA report.
The authority has allocated 94 passport counters and 13 designated inspection areas, in addition to health service facilities provided by the Ministry of Health and relevant security sectors, ensuring integrated efforts and improved service quality.
Through its operational plan for the Hajj season at all land, sea, and air customs ports, the authority aims to deliver the highest level of customs services to pilgrims, in line with leadership directives to facilitate entry and ensure comprehensive services from arrival until departure.