Ministry of Islamic Affairs has extended the deadline for the submission of proposals to take Maldivians on Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic ministry had earlier set February 22 as the deadline for companies to submit their proposals for Umrah pilgrimage. However, the ministry has extended this deadline until March 3.
As per the new policy established by the Islamic ministry for Umrah pilgrimage, only companies with 100% Maldivian ownership will be approved for organising pilgrimages. The permits are issued for a two-year period.
The policy also states companies are required to have their own bank accounts to deposit payments to fund Umrah pilgrimages. It states the special bank account should only be opened by registered companies under their name, and should only be used for depositing payments made by pilgrims and to make financial transactions between the company and pilgrims. The companies are also required to provide receipts to the pilgrims who deposit their payments.