Maldives included in the Makkah Route initiative

Saudi Arabia has included Maldives in the Makkah Route, a programme which streamlines the Hajj pilgrimage process.

The Makkah Route allows pilgrims to complete their immigration procedures of both countries at their respective airports before leaving their home countries.

This eliminates waiting time at Jeddah airport and allows pilgrims to directly go to their hotels with their luggage.

The initiative was so far granted to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan which have a large number of pilgrims visiting Makkah every year. Because of this, the Islamic Ministry of Maldives described Maldives being included in the list as historic, adding that it symbolises Saudi Arabia's closeness to the Maldivian people.

The ministry thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and the Saudi Hajj and Interior Ministers for providing this opportunity.

The Islamic Ministry first requested Maldives to be admitted to the Makkah Route about two months ago.

Services that will be made easier with the Makkah Route include:

1. Collect biometric data of Hajj pilgrims and arrange electronic Hajj visa for them as well as ensure the health system and all protective measures are taken

2. Tag all luggages at Velana International Airport when Hajj pilgrims go to fly to Makkah, register the luggage to the pilgrims and ensure boarding passes are issued instantly.

3. Under the Mecca Route Initiative, pilgrims will be able to complete all necessary arrangements for entry into Saudi Arabia before leaving their country through the passport team of the dedicated terminal at the airport.

4. Upon arrival at the designated terminal at the Saudi airport, pilgrims would be able get immediate transfer to the hotel arranged for the pilgrims.

5. Pilgrims would not have to wait at the arrival terminal until their luggages, and would intsead receive them directly at the hotel.

The Makkah Route Initiative is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which the Saudi government has been implementing since 2018 under the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Interior.