Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has announced the assurance made by the Government of Saudi Arabia to increase the Hajj quota provided for Maldives this year as well.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Foreign Minister Shahid revealed a meeting was held with Minster of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, during which discussions were held relating to Maldivians performing Hajj and Umrah and explored ways to improve the services.
Minister Shahid revealed the Saudi minister acknowledged Maldivian pilgrims are well disciplined, assuring to increase Hajj quota for Maldives this year. However, he did not disclose the amount. Even though Maldives have been allocated a quota for 1,000 pilgrims every year, Saudi Arabia doubles the quota allocated for Maldives.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid said the Government of Maldives has decided to establish an embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which will ease the quota process and challenges faced by Maldivian pilgrims.