Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited Mohamed Shakeel has affirmed that all Maldivian pilgrims departing for pilgrimage will be equipped with tracking devices which will share their live location. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce the risk of pilgrims from getting lost during the journey. The Hajj Corporation had previously provided such devices, offering them to pilgrims with the greatest need of assistance.
Providing insight on the device, Shakeel revealed that the device will assist to determine the live location of the individual, in case they confuse the main route or encounter any such confusing situations. Shakeel further disclosed that with the assistance of the device, systems have been arranged such that the corporation can immediately locate the lost pilgrims. He additionally stated that the device will be provided to pilgrims as a safety measure as the corporation will be facilitating the pilgrimage for 1,000 pilgrims.
During the season of pilgrimage, the number of individuals and groups travelling to Mecca to perform pilgrimage also increases significantly, in comparison to other times of the year. Hence, the case of some pilgrims going missing is a common issue, especially the elderly pilgrims.
Hajj Corporation is the only pilgrimage facilitator in the nation, facilitating the pilgrimage for pilgrims with 1,000 quarters. Therefore, the corporation is exerting maximum preparation efforts to ensure the provision of quality service. Underscoring that health concerns are given the utmost priority during the trip, Shakeel affirmed that five Maldivian doctors and five nurses will embark on the journey as well. Furthermore, efforts are underway to make arrangements such that travelling to the airport is convenient.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts to obtain additional quarters, Shakeel stated that opportunities will be given for individuals currently in the waiting list if they attain more quarters. He further observed that necessary preparations are underway for more pilgrims to travel to perform pilgrimage. The pilgrims travelling this year include the 50 individuals travelling under the free government assistance.