Maldivians who embarked on Umrah journeys last month through Mashar Tours have found themselves stranded in Mecca.
Maldivians who embarked on Umrah journeys last month through Mashar Tours have found themselves stranded in Mecca.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs had revoked Al-Mashar Hajj and Umrah Group permission due to cheque bouncing incidents. The group, led by owner Ali Farish, had failed to pay for Umrah pilgrims' tickets during last year's Ramadan.
Despite this, Farish formed a new travel agency named 'Mashar Tours' and facilitated Umrah trips this year.
Mashar Tours isn’t registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
A family member of stranded pilgrims revealed that some were scheduled to depart yesterday but were notified last minute about the cancellation due to payment issues.
"Later, they said they hadn't paid for the return ticket and we would need to arrange it independently," the family member stated.
Approximately 50 individuals who traveled through Mashar Tours are currently stranded in Mecca.
Farish instructed pilgrims to procure their return tickets independently, promising refunds within 30 days for those who comply. However, pilgrims had already paid the agency for return tickets before departure, and the agency had also failed to settle hotel fees in Mecca.
Farish remained unresponsive to inquiries from Mihaaru, while Agent Ace Travels, who sold tickets to Mashar Tours, canceled return tickets last month due to non-payment.
The Umrah package, priced at MVR 38,500 for a 21-day fasting Umrah, includes return tickets, visas, travel, and accommodation with three meals in Mecca and Medina.
Last year, 138 pilgrims were left stranded during Ramadan due to bounced cheques from the Mashar group, compelling the Islamic Ministry to intervene. Last-minute flights were organized after they consented to partial ticket payment, with the remainder to be settled later.
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