Ministry of Islamic Affairs has begun implementing the new policy on pilgrimages and issuing fines of up to USD32,000 to companies that commit fraud related to the organisation of pilgrimage trips.
The ministry has highlighted three ways in which it will issue fines for companies that violate the new policy. As such, companies that fail to complete the administrative work related to the organisation of the pilgrimage trips will be issued a fine between USD323-648, and companies that accept money from pilgrims and violate the conditions of their agreement will be fined USD2,000-6,500. Lastly, companies will be fined USD5,000-32,000 if negligence has caused clients to miss their pilgrimage.
The new policy also requires the ministry to establish a Maldives Pilgrim Affairs Office to monitor whether companies are complying with the relevant rules and regulations and oversee the administrative tasks related to the companies and their clients during their stay in Mecca and Medina. As such, the office will be tasked with collaborating with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia and providing assistance to the pilgrimage companies.
Furthermore, the new policy states that only companies with 100% Maldivian ownership will be approved for organising pilgrimages, and permits are to be issued for a two-year period. The Islamic ministry has decided to permit Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited and two other organisations to facilitate Hajj pilgrimages for Maldivians this year.
The ministry stated that the Maldives has not received its official quota but the Government of Saudi Arabia has disclosed that the number will be 453. The ministry stated the government is working to increase the quota but that only Hajj Corporation and two other organisations will be permitted to facilitate the pilgrimages if the quota is low.