The Makkah Route Initiative services available to Maldivian pilgrims will now be offered on a permanent basis.
This decision was finalised during a meeting between the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and the Supervisory Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, held as part of the Minister’s official visit to Saudi Arabia.
According to the Islamic Ministry, the highest Committee on the Makkah Route has decided to continue the Hajj service to Maldivians permanently following last year’s pilot phase. The Saudi government acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support shown by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as well as by Maldivian government institutions including Airport, Customs, Immigration, the Maldives Hajj Corporation, Aviation Security and citizens.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Foreign Ministry, Aviation Authority, Immigration, and Ministry of Interior, which are part of the committee. The Islamic Ministry noted that the permanent inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative will significantly ease the pilgrimage process for Maldivians.
On behalf of President Muizzu, the government, and the people of the Maldives, Dr Shaheem expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia for extending the initiative permanently and for their continued support to Maldivian pilgrims.
Maldives was included in the Makkah Route Initiative under the special instruction of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, with the country exempted from all conditions and formalities.
The Islamic Minister described the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative as a major achievement in the government's efforts to enhance Hajj services under President Dr Muizzu’s leadership. The initiative will enable the collection of biometric data of pilgrims, the issuance of electronic pilgrimage visas and health services, and ensure that safety measures are in place for pilgrims. It will also allow for the instant tagging and registration of luggage and the issuance of boarding passes at the Velana International Airport (VIA)’s departure terminal for Maldivian pilgrims.
Through the service, Maldivian pilgrims will be able to complete all necessary entry procedures into Saudi Arabia before their departure, through the terminal's passports team. They can board their flights to Jeddah or Medina directly once at VIA’s departure terminal. Upon arrival at the designated terminal at Saudi Arabia Airport, pilgrims will be able to proceed straight to their hotels, while their luggage will be delivered directly to their hotel without delay at the airport.
The Makkah Route Initiative, part of Saudi Vision 2030, has been implemented by the Saudi government since 2018 under the supervision of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The programme is jointly managed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Interior.