Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Wednesday, 18th May, confirmed that corporations providing Hajj pilgrimage services found guilty of fraudulent conduct will face hefty fines.
According to the authority, companies found culpable of misconduct may face legal fines of up to MVR500,000.
Moreover, the ministry has put on various ways Hajj and Umrah service providers may be fined, which include;
1. Lack of proper administrative procedures subject to fines between MVR5,000 and MVR10,000
2. Companies violating the regulations of collecting fees and charges from pilgrims, violation of disciplinary regulations, and any other violation may be fined between MVR30,000 and MVR100,000
3. Failure of pilgrims to attend Hajj pilgrimage due to misconduct or gross negligence of Hajj service providers will be subjected to fines between MVR75,000 and MVR500,000
Earlier, under the regulations implemented back in 2019 for Hajj service providers, the maximum amount of fine subjected was MVR100,000.
Meanwhile, under the new regulations the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has created a new administrative office; Maldives Pilgrim Affairs Office that will be actively monitoring pilgrimage activities of various service providers.
The new office is mandated with facilitating support for Hajj service providers equally as well as ensuring proper communication between Saudi Arabia's designated ministry mandated with overseeing all pilgrimage activities.
In addition to this, the new office is mandated with monitoring all aspects related to Hajj pilgrims, pilgrimage activities and the services provide by the companies.
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