AMMAN — Officials at the Jordan Customs Department (JCD) on Saturday inspected the first groups of Jordanian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia through the Mudawwara and Omari customs centres.

 

The field visits aimed to review the readiness of the border centres and evaluate the measures implemented to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process for the pilgrims, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Jordan Hajj quota for the 1447 Hijri season had been set at 8,000 pilgrims, in addition to 4,500 Palestinian pilgrims within the 1948 borders.

 

Every capable Muslim is supposed to perform the Hajj once in his/her lifetime, which culminates in Eid Al Adha.

 

The Hajj is one of the five main pillars of Islam, which also include the shahada, the act of verbally expressing faith; the five daily prayers; fasting during the month of Ramadan; and zakat, or giving alms to the poor.

 

During his tour of the Mudawwara Custom Centre, JCD Assistant Director-General Brig. Gen. Mounes Khlifat highlighted the department's commitment to delivering high-quality services.

 

He noted that such efforts include boosting customs personnel and enhancing operational readiness to expedite procedures in line with Royal directives to provide top-tier care and services for citizens and travellers.

 

Khlifat reviewed field operations and the coordination mechanisms among various agencies operating at the border post.

 

He commended the customs staff and security agencies for their professionalism, humanitarian approach, and around-the-clock assistance to pilgrims.

 

Meanwhile, JCD Assistant Director-General Brig. Gen. Raed Shiyab checked on customs procedures at the Omari Custom Centre to review staff readiness and operational workflows handling incoming pilgrims.

 

Shiyab emphasised the importance of providing all necessary facilitations and speeding up clearance processes to ensure smooth traffic flow and pilgrim comfort.

 

JCD has implemented a series of organisational and technical measures to manage the expected influx of arrivals during the Hajj season, ensuring maximum efficiency and comfort for returning pilgrims, Shiyab added.

 

For their part, pilgrims expressed their appreciation for the warm reception, swift procedures, and the continuous efforts of the JCD personnel and border agencies to facilitate their journey.