Directorate General of Immigration prepares special services for 2026 Hajj pilgrims’ return

The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has prepared a seamless immigration process to facilitate the return of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026. Director General Hendarsam Marantoko confirmed on Monday in Jakarta that the seamless immigration corridor will be available at several Hajj debarkation points across the country. ‘In supporting the return of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026, we have prepared a special seamless immigration service through corridor gates at various Hajj debarkation points,’ he said. He explained that the system allows for faster and more efficient immigration checks as data is processed in advance, meaning pilgrims will not need to queue at conventional checks or autogates upon arrival in Indonesia. At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the corridor gates are located in Terminal 2, which handles Hajj pilgrim arrivals by kloter. Immigration officers and mobile units will also be on standby to ensure smooth processing of pilgrims’ arrivals in 2026. In Surabaya, the corridor gates have been relocated to Sukolilo Hajj Asrama and are integrated with the immigration system to support pilgrim services. ‘Following today’s inspection, all preparations for Hajj debarkation are ready, including personnel, inspection facilities, and supporting systems,’ Hendarsam added. In cases of lost travel documents, the Directorate General of Immigration will coordinate with relevant parties to ensure swift handling and prevent delays in pilgrims’ return. The seamless immigration process, a biometric system allowing international arrivals to pass through immigration checks without stopping, has been operational since 2025 as part of the government’s All Indonesia programme to streamline international arrival procedures and enhance airport efficiency. Meanwhile, Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have begun returning home. The first kloter from Batam Embarkation (BTH-1) departed from King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah on Sunday, 31 May, marking the first phase of repatriation. According to the 2026 Hajj Travel Plan (RPH), the second wave of pilgrims will begin their return process from 16 to 30 June 2026 from Medina. They are scheduled to depart from Mecca to Medina on 7 June 2026, staying in Medina for approximately nine days before flying back to Indonesia.