The annual Hajj pilgrimage is expected to proceed without disruption despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Islamic Affairs, has confirmed.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Special Committee of Ministers established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to coordinate the national response to the regional crisis, Shaheem reassured Maldivian citizens that preparations for this year’s Hajj are progressing smoothly.
He said all logistical and administrative arrangements related to the pilgrimage are being carried out without difficulty.
“All matters related to Hajj will be carried out very smoothly. Maldives is among the quickest countries making arrangements,” Shaheem said. He confirmed that visas for 1,000 Maldivian pilgrims have already been secured. Accommodation in Mina and Arafat, as well as transportation and other logistical arrangements, have also been fully organised.
Shaheem also noted that more than 2,000 Maldivians travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during the last 15 days of Ramadan. According to the minister, those pilgrims are currently in good health in Mecca.
Addressing concerns about travel disruptions linked to the conflict, Shaheem said the government arranged a special charter flight to ensure that pilgrims affected by airline cancellations were still able to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Efforts are now under way to bring back 50 pilgrims who were stranded after their return flight was cancelled. The minister expressed confidence that a solution would be reached soon.