Latest news with #Jawazat
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Passports Department announces working hours during Eid Al-Adha holiday
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced its working hours during the Eid Al-Adha holiday for 1446 AH across its branches in various regions of the Kingdom, to ensure continued service for urgent cases. The department affirmed its readiness to receive emergency cases that require in-person service and cannot be completed through the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform. Beneficiaries must book an electronic appointment in advance before visiting the offices. In Riyadh, the passport office at the Al-Rimal branch will operate daily from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. throughout the Eid break. In Jeddah, the Sairafi Mall and Tahlia Mall branches will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., starting Sunday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 5 (June 9, 2025), until the end of the working day on Thursday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 9 (June 13, 2025). Elsewhere across the Kingdom, passport offices will operate Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the holiday Directorate also encouraged the public to take advantage of the 'Tawasul' service, which allows users to submit requests for services that cannot be completed online, without needing to visit passport offices in person.
Saudi Gazette
24-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia receives 891,000 pilgrims for Hajj as authorities warn against visit visa violations
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The number of international pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H has reached 890,883 as of the end of Friday, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The total reflects ongoing momentum as pilgrims continue to enter the Kingdom through airports, land crossings, and seaports in preparation for the annual pilgrimage. Jawazat reported that 846,415 pilgrims have arrived via international airports, 41,646 through land border crossings, and 2,822 via seaports. The directorate reaffirmed that all necessary resources have been mobilized to facilitate the entry process, including advanced technical systems and multilingual staff at all major ports of entry. Among Friday's arrivals was the first Hajj flight from the United Kingdom, which landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 142 pilgrims on board. The British Consul General in Jeddah, Cecille El-Bilidy, welcomed the group, along with officials from Jeddah Airports Company and various government and operational agencies. Jeddah Airports Company confirmed its full operational readiness for Hajj 1446, highlighting preparations across three major terminals: Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal, and the dedicated Hajj and Umrah Complex. Facilities include 558 immigration counters, 407 baggage check-in stations, 100 passenger boarding bridges, 81 customs inspection devices, 67 luggage belts, and 259 bus parking bays — part of a comprehensive plan to facilitate the arrival experience. As the number of pilgrims grows, the Ministry of Interior has issued a renewed warning to individuals attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorization. The ministry clarified that all types of visit visas — including those for tourism, business, and family visits — do not entitle holders to perform Hajj. Only officially issued Hajj visas permit entry into the holy sites during the season. The ministry emphasized that any individual on a visit visa who enters or remains in Makkah or the holy sites between Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1 and Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 will be subject to a fine of up to SR20,000. Offenders will also face deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom. Authorities urged all citizens, residents, and visitors to adhere strictly to Hajj regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims. The ministry also encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia continues to scale up its operations to receive pilgrims from around the world.
Saudi Gazette
23-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Over 65,000 more pilgrims arrive in 24 hours as Hajj influx continues
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — In just 24 hours, more than 65,000 additional pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H, bringing the total number of incoming pilgrims to 820,658 by the end of Thursday, 24 Dhul-Qi'dah, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The previous day's total stood at 755,344, marking a notable surge in pilgrim arrivals through air, land, and sea. Of the total by Thursday, 782,358 pilgrims entered through airports, 35,478 via land crossings, and 2,822 through maritime ports. Jawazat confirmed that it has fully mobilized its capabilities to facilitate pilgrims' entry, deploying multilingual staff and state-of-the-art systems at all international entry points to ensure seamless processing and hospitality. Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving pilgrims was further highlighted by the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to host 1,300 pilgrims from 100 countries under the Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.
Saudi Gazette
22-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Over 755,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced that a total of 755,344 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H through the Kingdom's air, land, and sea entry points as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025. According to the directorate, 725,297 pilgrims arrived via airports, 27,225 through land crossings, and 2,822 pilgrims entered by sea. Jawazat affirmed that all resources have been mobilized to facilitate the arrival procedures for pilgrims. It has deployed qualified multilingual staff and cutting-edge technical equipment at all international entry points to ensure smooth and efficient processing. This year, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman will host 1,000 pilgrims from the families of martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded among the Palestinian people at his own expense to perform Hajj. This is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, being implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance. The Saudi authorities have completed all the foolproof and flawless arrangements to enable the pilgrims to perform their rituals in ease and comforts. Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal made on Tuesday a comprehensive inspection tour to assess the Kingdom's operational readiness for Hajj 2025, reviewing projects and systems aimed at ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of pilgrims. On his part, Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inspected on Tuesday a number of new projects implemented by Kidana Development Company to improve and develop the environment of the holy sites. These included a new emergency hospital in Mina with a capacity of 200 beds, 71 emergency centers along the pedestrian paths in the holy sites, and shading and cooling the squares surrounding the Namirah Mosque. Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser launched on Monday a number of innovative initiatives for the Hajj Season of 2025, with the aim of enhancing the comfort of pilgrims at the holy sites. The inauguration included the expansion of the Flexible Rubber Roads and Road Cooling Initiatives, in addition to two new initiatives: planting trees and improving the environment on flexible rubber roads, and a path serving people with disabilities. The eastern squares of the Jamarat facility, where Hajj pilgrims will perform the stoning ritual, in Mina witnessed the installation of 200 mist fans to cool the air during the Hajj season.
Saudi Gazette
22-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj 1446: Over 755,000 pilgrims arrive ahead of pilgrimage
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced that a total of 755,344 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H through the Kingdom's air, land, and sea entry points as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (23 Dhul-Qi'dah 1446H). According to the authority, 725,297 pilgrims arrived via airports, 27,225 through land crossings, and 2,822 pilgrims entered by sea. Jawazat affirmed that all resources have been mobilized to facilitate the arrival procedures for pilgrims. It has deployed qualified multilingual staff and cutting-edge technical equipment at all international entry points to ensure smooth and efficient processing.
