The Bureau of Immigration (BI) assured a free-and-easy immigration process for over 7,000 Filipino Muslims who are planning to conduct a Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia slated from June 26 to July 1.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said he has issued an operation circular regarding BI’s procedures in processing the departure of Hajj pilgrims.

According to Tansingco, more than 7,000 Filipino Muslims will be joining this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, and thus, BI is required to adopt measures that will facilitate their smooth departure.

“This is our way of extending support and courtesy to our Muslim brothers who are embarking on this pilgrimage which is considered one of Islam’s most sacred and important religious events,” the BI chief added.

Under the newly-issued operation circular, BI airport terminal heads are instructed to appoint staff who will coordinate with officials of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in acquiring advance lists of passengers who will be traveling to Mecca for the said pilgrimage.

A special lane will be dedicated for Pinoy Hajj pilgrims in different airports to prioritize quick processing.

Members of the BI’s Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU) were ordered to assist the pilgrims in queuing at the airport’s immigration departure counter.

“It is part of the BI and Department of Justice’s contribution in assisting Hajj pilgrims,” Tansingco said.

Written By Ailah Francisco, DZRH News Online Intern