Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated that the opportunity is open to submit proposals from companies interested in facilitating Umrah pilgrimages.
The Islamic ministry stated that it will accept proposals submitted by companies that fulfill the criteria dictated in the regulation on facilitating Umrah pilgrimages. The relevant documents pertaining to the submission of proposals are available on the ministry’s website. The ministry will be accepting proposals until May 23.
Only companies with 100% Maldivian ownership will be approved for organising pilgrimages, as per the new policy established by the Islamic ministry for the Umrah pilgrimage. The permits are issued for a two-year period.
Additionally, companies that are licensed to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages must establish an office for Umrah applicants within a maximum of 15 days after permission has been granted by the government. The policy also states companies are required to have their own bank accounts to deposit payments to fund Umrah pilgrimages. It states the special bank account should only be opened by registered companies under their name, and should only be used for depositing payments made by pilgrims and to make financial transactions between the company and pilgrims. The companies are also required to provide receipts to the pilgrims who deposit their payments. In addition, the company will provide accommodation, meals, and road transportation to the pilgrims as per the policy.
The ministry stated that 43 companies have been given permission to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages. Of these, the permits of 24 companies expire in May, the permits issued to 12 companies expire in November and the permits issued to seven companies expire next year.