The final batch of 265 home-based Sierra Leonean pilgrims has arrived safely in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the commencement of the 1447/2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims landed at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport late Monday night, completing the transportation of all home-based pilgrims scheduled to travel from Sierra Leone for this year’s Hajj exercise.
Officials confirmed that the pilgrims are expected to begin Ziyarah activities on Wednesday, May 20, involving visits to important Islamic historical and religious sites in Madinah, regarded as Islam’s second holiest city.
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, together with officials of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, received all three batches of pilgrims that arrived between May 15 and May 18.
Ambassador Mohammed Barrie led the reception team for the first batch on May 15, while Deputy Ambassador Alhaji Abdul Aziz Turay welcomed the second batch on May 16.
During the arrival of the final batch on May 18, both senior diplomats, alongside embassy officials and members of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, were present to receive the pilgrims at the airport.
Some pilgrims who spoke during a live Facebook broadcast expressed satisfaction with the organization of the trip, describing the journey from Sierra Leone to Saudi Arabia as smooth and stress-free.
They praised Allah for granting them safe travels and also commended President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj for ensuring proper coordination and travel arrangements.
One of the pilgrims, Ibrahim Bah, described the entire process from Freetown to Madinah as well coordinated.
“Alhamdulillah, the flight was smooth. The organization, including baggage arrangements and movement from Freetown to Lungi, was properly arranged and structured,” he said.
Chairman of the Allied Health Professional Council of Sierra Leone, Abu Ansumana Conteh, also applauded the arrangements and described the journey as “fantastic.”
He praised the Government of Sierra Leone for ensuring a peaceful and comfortable experience for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
Another pilgrim, Haja Kadie George, commended the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj for what she described as a successful and peaceful travel process.
Meanwhile, the first batch of 267 pilgrims that arrived in Madinah on May 15 has already departed for Makkah to begin Umrah rites.
The second batch of 267 pilgrims that landed on May 16 is expected to travel to Makkah by road on Tuesday, May 19, as preparations continue for the commencement of the Hajj rites scheduled for May 25, 2026.
Authorities disclosed that Sierra Leone is expected to have a total of 2,626 pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The figure includes approximately 826 home-based pilgrims from Sierra Leone and about 1,800 diaspora pilgrims from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Europe and several African nations travelling under the Sierra Leone delegation.
Millions of Muslims from around the world are expected to gather in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.