The first group of Hajj pilgrims from Maldives is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on May 26, the Islamic Ministry has stated.
This year, Maldives has been granted a quota of 1,000 pilgrims.
Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed met with members of the Hajj Mission yesterday and urged them to fulfill their duties diligently and provide full support to the pilgrims.
The Hajj Mission comprises staff from Maldives Hajj Corporation, a medical doctor, religious scholars, and a journalist from state media, PSM.
Departure dates for other groups are yet to be confirmed.
This year’s Hajj will fall on June 4.
Minister Shaheem emphasized the importance of teamwork within the mission to address any challenges that may arise during the pilgrimage.
Maldives has also been included in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca Route Initiative for the first time. The initiative allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures at Velana International Airport, enabling them to travel directly to their hotel upon arrival in Saudi Arabia without delays at Jeddah airport. Their luggage will also be transferred straight to the hotel.
This special facilitation is only available to a select group of countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and now Maldives.
