The first batch of Maldivian pilgrims has travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims left on June 26 and were welcomed upon their arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport by the President of Maldives Hajj Mission, Minister of State for Islamic Affairs Mohamed Anil, and Consul General at the Maldivian Embassy in Saudi Arabia Hussain Rasheed Ahmed.
A total of 156 pilgrims left on the first flight on June 26, while 175 are scheduled to leave on the second flight on June 29, and 115 are scheduled to leave on July 2. All flights are scheduled to take off at 2315hrs and buses have been scheduled to transport the pilgrims to the airport between 1900hrs to 2000hrs.
The Maldives received a quota of 453 for the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Of the total quota, 353 of the slots were reserved for those already on the waiting list of Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL), and pilgrims for the remaining 100 slots were selected in a draw.
The Islamic ministry stated the government has facilitated the safe transport of pilgrims in the Greater Male’ Region to the airport. As such, the pilgrims will be picked up by double-decker, coach, and minibusses operated by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The pilgrims in Villimale’ will be transported directly to the airport on speedboats. Maldives Police Service (MPS) stated that officers will be posted on the bridge to manually control traffic when the buses are scheduled to transport the pilgrims. The buses will be travelling together and officers will be making way for them as they travel.
The Islamic ministry has established a special operations centre to facilitate the safe travel of the pilgrims by working with the relevant authorities. Additionally, the Maldives Immigration will be facilitating means by which the pilgrims will be able to check in more easily. The ministry recommends pilgrims use the transport methods facilitated by the government but said they are free to travel to the airport on their own.