HAJJ 2024: SAUDI INTERIOR MINISTRY LAUNCHES DIGITAL ID FOR FOREIGN PILGRIMS
By Ajape Sefiu A.
- The digital identity service is part of Saudi government’s efforts to enable digital transformation
- The move aims to facilitate pilgrims’ use of digital identity to enhance quality of services
On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Interior launched the digital identity service for pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom with a Hajj visa for this year’s season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi government is working to facilitate digital transformation and use technology to benefit people. One such endeavor is the digital identification service.
The Interior Ministry reports that the service, which was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, assists individuals carrying out the yearly custom and allows travelers to electronically verify their identity via the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms.
The change is intended to make it easier for pilgrims to use their digital identities to improve the caliber of services they get and their overall experience.
Additionally, it was introduced to ensure pilgrims received the best possible care and kept up with the latest advancements in digital transformation in the services they received while visiting Saudi Arabia.
Likewise, the General Directorate of Passports of the ministry introduced a unique passport stamp on Wednesday for individuals who are benefited by the Makkah Route Initiative. The initiative’s graphic identity is contained on the stamp.
The stamp will be made available through designated lounges at 11 airports around the seven countries benefiting from the initiative, which are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and Cote d’Ivoire.
The Makkah Route Initiative is one of the ministry’s initiatives within the program of serving pilgrims.
