RIYADH: Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh has highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries, recent efforts to boost relations, and ease travel procedures for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

During a press conference with Moroccan media representatives at the embassy in Rabat, Al-Saleh noted the multi-sector agreements signed to enhance cooperation aimed at boosting Saudi investments in Morocco.

He also reviewed ongoing measures taken by Saudi Arabia to facilitate procedures for pilgrims from Islamic and Western countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

Al-Saleh provided a detailed explanation of the Makkah Route initiative, which streamlines visa and other administrative procedures for Moroccan pilgrims.

The initiative has been implemented by the Ministry of Interior at 12 airports in eight countries. The countries are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Maldives.

In last year’s Hajj, the Makkah Route served 314,337 pilgrims via 899 flights from the initiative’s dedicated lounges in their respective countries, the SPA reported.

The initiative is designed to provide high-quality, streamlined services to pilgrims from participating countries by completing key travel procedures in their home countries.

These procedures include collecting biometric data, electronic Hajj visas, completing passport control at departure airports after health verification, and coding and sorting luggage in line with each pilgrim’s transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. 

Upon arrival, pilgrims are transferred by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah, while their luggage is delivered directly by partner agencies. 

Last year, an 82-year-old Moroccan pilgrim, Munira, praised officials for the welcome she received at the Makkah Route terminal, noting that the initiative represents a major improvement in streamlining Hajj procedures. 

Another Moroccan pilgrim, 60-year-old Naima Nadim, expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and smooth procedures at the Makkah Route terminal at the airport.

“Everything was organized with kindness. Smiles never left the faces of the staff — it felt like they were sharing in my joy,” she added.