Passport-linked tag to be used to protect Maldivian Hajj pilgrims’ luggage

To enhance the safety and security of the belongings of Maldivian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, authorities have decided to introduce a specialized luggage tagging system linked directly to pilgrims’ passports.

According to the Maldives Hajj Mission, the initiative represents a major step toward improving and streamlining travel logistics for pilgrims. In this regard, the Maldives Hajj Mission held a special meeting with the Saudi Post agent responsible for providing services to Maldivian pilgrims to discuss the implementation of the system.

The meeting formed an important part of the advanced preparations being carried out for this year’s Hajj season. As the Hajj pilgrimage involves the simultaneous travel of large numbers of people—where incidents of lost luggage are relatively common—the introduction of such modern technology is expected to provide significant reassurance to pilgrims.

Senior officials from the Maldives Hajj Mission, Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited, and the service provider also participated in the meeting.

Saudi Post’s ‘Subul’ will act as the primary agent responsible for overseeing all luggage transportation for Maldivian pilgrims this year. Under the new arrangement, the agent will directly manage the transportation of luggage from airports in Saudi Arabia to the pilgrims’ designated hotels. The integration of passport information into the luggage tags will ensure that each piece of luggage can be accurately identified and safely delivered to its rightful owner without confusion.

By linking passport details to the tags, scanning the luggage will instantly display the pilgrim’s identity, along with their assigned hotel and room number. The initiative aligns with the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to digitalise Hajj management and logistics.

The main objective of the new system is to ensure that pilgrims’ luggage arrives at their hotels by the time they reach their accommodation from the airport. In previous years, pilgrims and staff of the Hajj Corporation spent considerable time collecting and transporting luggage to hotels.

This year, the Maldives has been allocated a quota of 1,000 pilgrims. All arrangements for the pilgrims are being managed by the state-owned Maldives Hajj Corporation. Pilgrims are scheduled to begin travelling to Saudi Arabia in the middle of this month.

The Maldives Hajj Mission states it will continue working closely with relevant Saudi authorities to further improve and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.