Ministry Warns Against Payment to Mash'ar Tours

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has urged individuals not to make payments to Mash'ar Tours, as the company has left its Umrah pilgrims stranded in Mecca and is fraudulently charging money by falsely claiming to have applied for permission.

In a statement issued last evening, the ministry made the appeal following reports of a group of individuals left stranded in Mecca under the responsibility of Mash'ar Tours due to insufficient funds for return tickets. Mash'ar had previously been flagged for similar incidents.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that complaints have been received regarding Mash'ar Tours unlawfully collecting money from individuals under the guise of having submitted requests to the ministry for Umrah permissions. The ministry has now filed a complaint with the police.

The ministry identified Ali Farish, the Managing Director of Mash'ar Tours, as also holding the same position at Al-Mash'ar Hajj and Umrah, whose permission to organize Umrah trips was revoked earlier. Consequently, the ministry advised against making any payments to him.

"We reiterate that individuals should refrain from engaging in any transactions with this company or individual related to Umrah," the ministry stated.

Under the Maldives' policy for Umrah travel, it is illegal to transport individuals for Umrah without proper permission and to collect funds for the same.

The ministry has urged to refrain from commercially organizing Umrah trips without proper authorization and to avoid financial transactions with companies lacking such permissions.

"Any deviations from these regulations will be investigated and those responsible held accountable," the ministry cautioned.

Individuals are encouraged to consult the ministry's website for a list of authorized companies for Umrah travel and to remain vigilant regarding such matters.