Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) has revealed over 6,000 people are eligible to perform Hajj under the pension scheme.
MPAO said 6,561 individuals registered are eligible for the scheme, adding they can join companies carrying people to Hajj. However, MPAO said companies can carry pilgrims under the scheme after signing an agreement with pension office. In this regard, MPAO said only Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has signed the agreement, urging other interested companies to sign with the pension office.
Speaking in regard to the scheme, MHCL revealed those performing Hajj under the scheme can register at the corporation once 25% of the total cost of Hajj is paid.
The amendment to Maldives Pension Act, which would enable to withdraw 80% of funds from the Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme to finance the cost for Hajj pilgrimage, was ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih last year. Following the ratification of the amendment, MPAO will transfer up to 80% of the declared rate set by the relevant authorities under the Hajj scheme.
The Hajj Scheme is eligible for individuals who are performing the pilgrimage for the first time and if they have at least USD 21,960 in the Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme. MPAO stated 13 individuals performed Hajj under the scheme last year.