Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that the Maldivian Hajj pilgrims will begin returning from Saudi Arabia on July 7.
The Maldives received 1,000 quotas for Hajj this year and the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) and three other companies facilitated travel accommodations for the 881 Maldivian Hajj pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia. MHCL was tasked with facilitating the travel of half of the Maldivian Hajj pilgrims while the other half of the quota was distributed among Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company Maldives Private Limited, Sisilfaru Hajj, Umrah Group Private Limited, and Al Manasik Al Safa Private Limited.
The Islamic ministry stated that the pilgrims are scheduled to return on six flights. As such, the first two flights, scheduled for July 7, will bring back clients of Hajj Corporation and Al Manasik. Hajj Corporation will also facilitate the return of some clients on the third flight scheduled for July 10. Meanwhile, Sisilfaru Hajj has arranged for their clients to return on the fourth flight scheduled for July 11, while Al Haramain has scheduled the return of their clients on the fifth flight on July 12. The Hajj Corporation will organise the return of the last group of pilgrims on the sixth flight on July 14.
During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, two Maldivians have fallen seriously ill and are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). They include an 85-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman. The ministry stated that the remaining Maldivian pilgrims are in good health.