Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to further investigate the evaluation procedures followed to award permits to companies to carry Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Upon submission of a case by Sisilfaru Hajj and Umrah Group Private Limited after failing to retain the permit for the first time in 3 decades, ACC launched an investigation into the procedures. Citing regulations, ACC said the proposals must be disqualified if the necessary documents are not submitted.
ACC noted while some proposals were rejected due to incomplete submissions, 2 companies were included in the evaluation process although they did not submit some documents. ACC highlighted even though the evaluation of the companies were published, the process was somewhat biased.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs said 18 companies submitted proposals to take pilgrims from Maldives to the Hajj pilgrimage this year. However, proposals from 6 companies were eliminated before the evaluation process due to incomplete information.
After evaluating the proposals, Islamic ministry granted license to Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) and 5 private companies.