The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced that all logistical preparations for Maldivian pilgrims undertaking the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage have been successfully completed, including the vital issuance of visas.
The Minister, during the weekly press conference held by the special ministerial committee, assured the public that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East will pose no obstacle to the sacred pilgrimage.
Minister Shaheem provided comprehensive details, saying that all the arrangements for the pilgrims have been completed including the necessary visas and accommodation.
The departure of Maldivian pilgrims is scheduled to commence on 15 May. In a continued arrangement from last year, the flight operations will be shared equally between Saudi Arabia's national carrier, Saudi Airlines, and the Maldives' national airline, Maldivian.
The detailed flight schedule is as follows:
Flight 1 - May 15: Saudi Airlines, carrying 242 pilgrims.
Flight 2 - May 17: Maldivian, carrying 250 pilgrims.
Flight 3 - May 18: Saudi Airlines, carrying 243 pilgrims.
Flight 4 - May 19: Maldivian, carrying 250 pilgrims.
The extensive preparations for this year's Hajj are a collaborative effort managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Hajj Mission, and the Maldives Hajj Corporation.