BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam has been listed among 10 countries granted the privilege of implementing the Makkah Route Initiative for the Haj season 1447 Hijrah/2026.
Introduced by the Saudi Arabia government, the initiative aims to facilitate and expedite the travel process for Haj pilgrims as part of efforts under Saudi Vision.
Under the initiative, immigration procedures for Brunei’s pilgrims are completed prior to departure, enabling faster and smoother entry into the kingdom without the need for clearance upon arrival at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
Pilgrims’ baggage is also tagged and sorted at Brunei International Airport according to hotel accommodations in Madinah, allowing for direct delivery to their respective hotels.
An official launch ceremony for the implementation of the initiative was held on Monday at the airport in conjunction with the departure of the first Haj flight from Brunei Darussalam.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Badaruddin Othman officiated the ceremony on behalf of the Government of Brunei Darussalam, while Sulaiman Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, advisor to the Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia and chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the initiative, represented the Saudi government.
Also in attendance were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof; Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Mustapha; and Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohammad Isham Jaafar.
Officials from Saudi Arabia conducting immigration procedures for Brunei’s pilgrims prior to departure at the Brunei International Airport.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Mohammad Tashim Hassan and Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam Saleh Abdulkarim Al-Shiha, along with a delegation from Saudi Arabia.
Brunei Darussalam’s participation reflects recognition by the Saudi government of the country’s efficient Haj management and compliance with established procedures, while underscoring the close ties between the two nations. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
