The first batch of pilgrims have embarked for the Hajj pilgrimage of the year. The group departed from the Maldives on Sunday evening.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs have attested that a total of 453 local pilgrims will be leaving to Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage in 2022.
The first batch of pilgrims included a total of 157 locals who flew with Saudi Airlines on Sunday evening, while the next batch will leave sometime on Monday, June 27 and on Wednesday of the current week, June 29.
Due to the limited Hajj quota and lack of preparatory time resulted with Hajj Corporation being the only facilitator providing transfer for pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Maldives Police Service will control and manage traffic on both Ameenee Magu and Majeedhee Magu between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm on the designated pilgrim departure dates, in order to facilitate easy transfer for pilgrims from Male' City to the airport.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs has facilitated transport for the pilgrims via MTCC buses.
This marks the first time in two years Saudi Arabia has opened for international pilgrims to visit Mecca to perform the Islamic holy worship; Hajj.
Out of the 453 quotas Maldives received, 100 of these were assigned through a raffle while the other 353 Hajj quotas were assigned to pilgrims waiting queue following payment for a previous pilgrimage trip.
Meanwhile, a total of 3,500 individuals are still waiting in queue for the next round of Hajj quotas, for the following year.
Islamic calendar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month is also known as the month of pilgrimage. Hajj pilgrimage is performed on the eight, ninth and tenth of the month while Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of the month.
In 2022, date of Hajj coincides with July 8 in the Gregorian calendar.
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