How Passport Services Protect Pilgrims During Hajj

May 29, 2026
How Passport Services Protect Pilgrims During Hajj

The General Directorate of Passports of Saudi Arabia has deployed special mobile teams at holy sites to locate lost pilgrims and assist the hospitalized. This is part of a comprehensive security and support system during the main Muslim pilgrimage.

Deployment of Field Teams at Holy Sites

The General Directorate of Passports has deployed specialized teams in Mecca and at the sacred pilgrimage sites. These teams operate directly in the field, coordinating their actions with the Ministry of Health and the Nusuk Care initiative under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The main task is to promptly identify lost pilgrims and identify patients in hospitals and medical centers. Thanks to this approach, thousands of people receive the necessary assistance in critical situations where time and coordination are crucial.

Modern Technologies for Identification

Field teams are equipped with advanced mobile technologies that allow for quick verification of the identity of patients and lost individuals right on the spot. All incoming messages are processed through the Hajj and Umrah Command and Control Center located at the headquarters in Mecca. This creates a unified information system where each case is tracked in real time. Such integration of technology with the human factor minimizes response time and prevents potential tragedies among pilgrims.

Coordination with the Healthcare System

Close cooperation between passport services and the Ministry of Health ensures full coordination in working with hospitalized pilgrims. Teams regularly check hospitals and medical facilities to ensure that the identity of each patient is established and that their family is informed of their whereabouts. This practice is especially important for elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities who may need additional assistance and support during the pilgrimage.

Nusuk Care Initiative and Search for the Lost

The Nusuk Care program, operating under the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, plays a key role in searching for lost pilgrims. The system allows for reports of missing persons to be received and for their search to be organized promptly through deployed field teams. Special attention is given to elderly pilgrims, children, and individuals who have difficulty orienting themselves at holy sites. Each case is handled with the utmost seriousness, as it concerns the safety and well-being of people who are far from home during their spiritual journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a pilgrim is lost at the holy sites?

You should contact Nusuk Care representatives or local security authorities as soon as possible with a description of the missing person. The field teams of the passport services are equipped with technologies for quick search and identification. All reports go to the command center, where rescue operations are coordinated.

How do passport services assist hospitalized pilgrims?

Special teams visit hospitals to verify the identity of patients and inform their families. This ensures that every hospitalized pilgrim receives the necessary support and that their loved ones are aware of their condition and whereabouts in real time.

What technologies are used to search for pilgrims?

Field teams are equipped with modern mobile technologies for quick identification and verification of identity. All information is centralized in a single command center in Mecca, allowing for coordinated actions and optimizing the process of searching for lost individuals.