The Maldives has signed the Ratification of Pilgrims Affairs Agreement for the year 1445 AH with Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Suleiman Mashat. The agreement was signed at the Hajj and Umrah Services Exhibition and Conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Minister Shaheem also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on the safe travel to Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Minister Shaheem traveled to Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabia. During their meeting, Minister Shaheem made a request to permit students studying in Saudi Arabia to assist pilgrims during the Hajj season. In addition, he sought the opportunity for Maldivian media to cover the Hajj in the local language. The two ministers also deliberated on the potential increase in the country's Hajj quota and discussed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to facilitate the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage process.
This year's Hajj pilgrimage will begin on June 15. Saudi Arabia allocates 1,000 quotas to the Maldives for the Hajj pilgrimage. Previously, private companies were allowed to facilitate Hajj pilgrimages alongside the Hajj Corporation. However, the government has decided that the Hajj Corporation will exclusively handle the entire quota. The government is also committed to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for 50 individuals with serious illnesses, in accordance with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge.