More than 315,000 Umrah pilgrims have arrived at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah since Dec. 5, an official said recently.

“More than 315,000 Umrah pilgrims from various foreign countries landed at the airport since the start of the Umrah season on Dec. 5 until Jan. 5,” said Nabil Haddad, director of the Haj and Umrah administration at the airport.

Haddad said the Ministry of Haj has implemented an advanced electronic system for the first time to track the progress of pilgrims, from the time they buy an Umrah package until their arrival at an entry point in the Kingdom.

The system at each entry point sends messages to all agencies and departments responsible for receiving and arranging accommodation, transport and an itinerary for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. This also allows the ministry and companies to prepare early for the departure of pilgrims.

He said Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar had ordered all departments to provide pilgrims the best services. He said the new system guaranteed solutions to most problems faced by pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom.

He said the electronic system links the Haj Ministry, facilitating companies, Umrah service providers and the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

He said officials have been told to deal courteously with pilgrims, give them gifts, and help people with disabilities and the elderly with their luggage.

Haddad said officials provide pilgrims with identity wristbands and stickers on their passports with important information about them.