A case has come to light where 110 pilgrims were unable to travel to Umrah after Al Abrar Pvt Ltd Maldives had made the necessary arrangements for last night.
A group of people had gathered outside the company's office and expressed their concerns.
As per the group of people, they were told to transport their luggage on the day of the flight before the flight itself. However, a person who had made the payment for the service stated that they were informed while they were on the way to the airport.
As per the individual, after they were told of this, the company held a sudden meeting. The pilgrims were told that the Umrah flight was canceled, the reason being the ongoing war in the Middle East, with an uncertainty of what would happen after 26th March as well.
The individual was against the cancellation and stated that all 110 pilgrims had made the necessary preparations to travel to Umrah during Ramadan.
A number of people contacted Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and brought the issue to his attention.
The minister said that if flight arrangements had been made, the pilgrims were to be sent on their way last night. The minister also said that the war does not pose a threat to the pilgrimage of Umrah and that the pilgrims are to be flown to their destination.
The individuals allege that permission had been granted to take the pilgrims to Umrah, along with confirmation of payment for the visas and hotel.
A number of people gathered in front of the office, requesting they be refunded. Efforts were made to fully refund the pilgrims, except for the airline tickets.
A pilgrim who was in the care of the company told Mihaaru News that after the MVR 15,000 deduction for the airline ticket, some pilgrims have received a portion of their funds. Each pilgrim had paid MVR 45,000 in order to go to Umrah.
As per the Economic Ministry's business registration portal, the Al Abrar Pvt Ltd Maldives company has three shareholders. They are Ahmed Affan Shafy, Adam Binyamin and Yoosuf Sidgee.
The company told various media that the refunding efforts are being done with the aid of generous donors. This is because the funds paid for Umrah were to be spent on the pilgrimage efforts. The company also said that the ticket and hotel booking charges had also been paid.
A pilgrimage company is to send a list of pilgrims, their hotel of stay and visa information to the ministry five days before the day of travel.
However, Al Abrar Pvt Ltd Maldives stated that even though the documents were sent to the ministry, there is no pertinent information available at the ministry itself. The company alleges that a special investigation is being conducted by the ministry due to the aforementioned.
And so, as the ministry instructed they be informed as to the proceedings of the matter, they also requested all information be shared with the ministry as well.
When the ministry was asked about the ongoing issue, they stated that Al Abrar Pvt Ltd Maldives were given permission to take pilgrims to Umrah as per a list that was publicized in April 2025. The Islamic Ministry also said that they are looking into the matter.
