The second group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims are set to return from Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The pilgrims, who travelled under the care of Maldives Hajj Corporation, are scheduled arrive at 12:25pm. The company said between 250 and 300 pilgrims are expected to return tomorrow. The first group of pilrims, comprising 252 who travelled under the care of the company, arrived on Saturday.
According to the Islamic Ministry, Maldivian pilgrims are set to arrive from September 17 to 24. The second and third group of pilgrims travelling under the Hajj Corporation are scheduled to arrive on September 21 and 24, respectively.
A 1,000 pilgrims who travelled under the care of private operators are also returning back, with 200 pilgrims travelling under Al-Kharmain Group expected to arrive on September 19 and 22. 200 pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia under the care of Acro Group will arrive on September 20.
The Saudi Arabian Government granted a quota of 2,000 to the Maldives this year, with half going to the state-owned Hajj Corporation, and the rest allocated to 5 private operators.