Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has called on Umrah agents to introduce low cost Umrah packages so as to allow a larger number of Maldivians to take on the pilgrimage.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has called on Umrah agents to introduce low cost Umrah packages so as to allow a larger number of Maldivians to take on the pilgrimage.
In the inauguration of the Hajj Umrah Conference held at the Islamic Ministry today, the Minister made this proposal to agents who offer Umrah trips.
He noted that a systemic change needs to be brought to how Umrah trips are now offered, but said that this is a change that does not have to come from the ministry itself.
'Currently there is Ramadan Umrah, then January, February Umrah. A systemic change needs to be brought. That is, allow Umrah trips to be made at any time. To facilitate people to go on Umrah whenever they want, whenever it is convenient for them," he said.
Shaheem said that the high rates in Mecca and Medina are also due to booking hotels which are close to the Grand Mosque. Once hotels at a distance are booked, the package rates can be brought down, he opined.
The Minister said that not everyone would be able to afford the Umrah packages currently offered in Maldives, saying that if packages of MVR 20,000 to MVR 15,000 are offered, more people would be able to join.
"And to introduce special rates packages for youth, parents and students, for various groups... packages where they stay at Al Aziziyah will be cheaper. Energetic youth would have no trouble going to the five prayers on the bus, carrying their backpacks. All the prayers can be offered at the Grand Mosque," he said.
At present, Umrah packages are offered at between MVR 28,000 and MVR 37,000.
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