President Dr Mohamed Muizzu described the decision by Saudi Arabia to place Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative as a reflection of the strong brotherly relations between the two nations.
Speaking after the official inauguration of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives for local Hajj pilgrims on Monday, President Dr Muizzu pointed out that Maldivian pilgrims will now be able to complete Saudi’s immigration, customs, and health procedures in Velana International Airport (VIA) before departing for Hajj, under the initiative.
The President described the initiative as a spiritually significant and transformative milestone that demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims.
In his remarks, President Dr Muizzu extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their leadership and for welcoming the Maldives into this visionary programme.
The President described the initiative as a reflection of the strong brotherly relations between the two nations and an embodiment of Saudi’s continued service to the Islamic world.
To further support the pilgrims, the President announced the establishment of a dedicated Hajj clinic in Saudi, equipped with emergency medical services, and operated in coordination with Saudi medical teams.
Additionally, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has raised the international transaction limit on debit cards to USD 1,750 to ease financial concerns during the pilgrimage.
President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to ensuring a secure, dignified, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all Maldivian pilgrims.