Maldives seeks unused Hajj quota from other nations

The Islamic Minister, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, today held discussions with the Saudi Arabian government to secure a portion of the unused Hajj quota allocated to other countries. The discussions took place during Minister Shaheem's current trip to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia does not provide additional Hajj quotas beyond the standard allocations for countries, but allows nations to utilize any unused quotas assigned to others.

"Discussions were held today to secure an opportunity for the Maldives under the Hajj Mubashir Initiative led by Saudi Arabia. This initiative allows countries requiring additional quota to utilize the quota allocated to other countries that remains unused," Shaheem stated.

The current Hajj quota allocated to the Maldives is 1,000 pilgrims. The Maldivian government had previously requested an increase to this number.