Al-Amn Magazine

SECURITY and measures to facilitate the departure and return of pilgrims from Bahrain. The Bahrain Airport Police Directorate, represented by the Operations Division, held pre-season meetings with representatives of all institutions and companies operating in the airport building to discuss the departure and arrival procedures for pilgrims, in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments. He added that coordination had been made with the relevant authorities operating at Bahrain International Airport, namely Customs, Passports, and Bahrain Airport Company, regarding the necessary arrangements for the use of electronic and paper Hajj permits containing barcodes. Boarding passes were issued 48 hours before the flight, pilgrims were assured of receiving the required vaccinations, and lists were distributed to campaigns containing instructions and prohibitions during the flight. Logistics services were also provided to pilgrims and campaigns, with a hotline allocated to follow up on Hajj campaign affairs. He emphasized that all security measures had been taken, with police personnel stationed at the airport entrances and exits, with female police officers present in the hall designated for the departure and return of pilgrims. Traffic was organized by members of the directorate’s traffic unit, and the security situation was monitored through the operations and control rooms. They also coordinated with Bahrain Airport Company regarding the departure and return times of pilgrims. Regarding the procedures at the King Fahd Causeway land port, he pointed to the comprehensive plan that contributed to facilitating the departure and return of pilgrims, in order to ensure their comfort and safety, indicating that it included a number of measures aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of pilgrims’ movement and reducing waiting time. He stated that upon the departure of pilgrims, the number of passport control counters at King Fahd Causeway was increased to reduce waiting times. Modern technologies, such as electronic passport gates, were also used to expedite the passport process, and luggage carts and wheelchairs were provided for the elderly and people with special needs. Upon the return of pilgrims, King Fahd Causeway was streamlined by allocating specific lanes for them. Passport control procedures were facilitated for returning pilgrims by increasing the number of passport control counters in operation, providing assistance services, and cooperating with relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to facilitate their return. The Minister of Justice meets with the Bahraini Hajj delegation as they depart for the pilgrimage