Baghdad -INA
The head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, announced on Wednesday the issuance of seven recommendations during his visit to the Al-Shaib border crossing in Maysan Governorate. These recommendations aim to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and provide the best possible services to visitors.
A statement from the Authority, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that "the head of the Border Ports Authority, Lieutenant General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, visited Maysan Governorate, accompanied by the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and Head of the Supreme Committee for Million-Person Pilgrimages, Lieutenant General Qais Al-Muhammadawi, and the Deputy Director of the Prime Minister's Office and Head of the Services Committee, Ali Razouqi Al-Lami."
The statement added that "the visit aimed to review the latest preparations for receiving pilgrims commemorating the Arba'een of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) through the Al-Shaib border crossing, and to follow up on the organizational and coordination plan that will be implemented during the pilgrimage season."
The head of the Supreme Committee for Million-Person Pilgrimages emphasized "the importance of defining responsibilities and strengthening cooperation and coordination between security and service efforts, while harnessing all capabilities and resources to ensure the success of this massive event, guaranteeing the smooth flow of pilgrims and providing them with the best possible services."
Al-Waeli explained the mechanisms for facilitating the movement of pilgrims and the Border Ports Authority's plan prepared to ensure the success of the pilgrimage, he emphasized the support provided to the Husseini processions, the provision of necessary services, and the offering of all forms of assistance for their important role in serving pilgrims during the Arba'een pilgrimage.
He noted that the Authority continues to implement its plan for the Arba'een pilgrimage, in coordination with security and service agencies and supporting departments, in accordance with government directives, to ensure the smooth flow of procedures and the reception of pilgrims with the highest levels of organization and efficiency.
The statement clarified that "the most prominent recommendations issued by the Border Ports Authority included the following:
1. Implementing a staggered entry system for visitors, coordinated between Iraqi and Iranian border crossings, to prevent overcrowding and stampedes.
2. Coordinating with the service committee to provide sufficient transportation (buses and coaches) to ensure the best possible services for visitors and facilitate their arrival in the holy provinces."
3. Reinforce border crossings with additional personnel and coordinate with the General Directorate of Passports to open more passport booths to ensure faster processing and prevent delays.
4. Strengthen inspection and screening teams, particularly female staff.
5. Allow the establishment of Husseini processions inside and outside border crossings, according to the nature and size of each crossing, to provide services and essential needs for pilgrims.
6. Form guidance teams to provide necessary assistance to pilgrims.
7. All border crossings are directed to begin their duties with the arrival of the first pilgrim in Iraq and conclude with the departure of the last pilgrim, operating on a principle of flexibility and adaptability to ensure the continuous provision of services throughout the blessed pilgrimage and maintain high performance standards. The statement emphasized that these recommendations were based on directives from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who stressed the necessity for this year's Arba'een pilgrimage to be distinguished from previous pilgrimages in terms of the level of services, facilities, and procedures, thereby contributing to the smooth flow of pilgrims and ensuring their safe passage and complete satisfaction.