The Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has revealed that locating devices are being put in use this year to solve the issue of missing pilgrims from the Maldives going on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
MHCL stated locating devices will be distributed to pilgrims in need of it the most as soon as they enter Saudi Arabia. The device will detect the location of the pilgrims that are lost if they get lost inside the Holy Mosque in Mecca or even outside the hotel where the pilgrims are staying. The devices will ensure the safety of pilgrims as the issue of getting lost occurs from time to time.
MHCL stated that Maldivian pilgrims will begin departing for the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia on June 12. The pilgrims are scheduled to leave on six flights on June 12, 13, 15, 16, and 19. The first pilgrims to depart from the Maldives are those from MHCL.
The government is working to make easy departure arrangements for Hajj pilgrims as in other years. As such, pilgrims and their families will be transported to the Velana International Airport (VIA) and their luggage will be collected in collaboration with the companies. In addition, arrangements have been made for elderly and sick pilgrims and their families to be transported to reach the airport by bus or air-conditioned ferry and for their luggage to be brought to the airport a day before departure.
This year, all pilgrims from the Maldives will be located together in the same area in Mina and Arafat, unlike in previous years. Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Al-Bait Guests Pilgrims Services Company are working together to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims in the previous years.
The Maldives received 1,000 quotas for Hajj this year. Two-thirds of the quota has been given to the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited. The rest of the quota has been divided among three companies. MHCL will be tasked with facilitating the travel of half of the Maldivian Hajj pilgrims this year while the other half of the quota will be distributed to three other companies. The government decided that the chosen companies will receive 90 slots each in order to facilitate easy and convenient travel for pilgrims. More than 4,000 individuals have secured a place in the queue order and the opportunity is being given to those who have paid 75% of the price of Hajj in the queue order.
The Saudi government allowed two million people in the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.