Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has received over 500 applications for 100 slots.
MHCL opened applications for 100 of the 453 quotas issued to the corporation, while the other 353 quotas were allocated for individuals already on the waiting list. Application forms were accepted between May 30 and June 2.
Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director Ismail Hameed said that MHCL has received over 500 applications and that it is preparing to send the first batch of 157 individuals to pilgrimage on June 26. MHCL will be choosing the applicants in a lucky draw which will be aired live by Public Service Media (PSM) on July 6 from 1430hrs to 1700hrs. All applicants who are chosen for the pilgrimage are required to pay USD5,000 within three days.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs issued all 453 Hajj quotas received by the Maldives this year to MHCL, due to the lack of sufficient time for the submission of proposals by private organisations. Due to the limits placed by the Government of Saudi Arabia, the Maldives has received fewer Hajj quotas than before. As such, the 453 quotas received this year is a significant decrease from the 1,000 quotas the Maldives used to receive prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi government has announced that one million people will be allowed in the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions. The amount is less than half of the 2.5 million people that were previously allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As per the announcement of the Saudi government, only individuals below the age of 65 who have completed the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year. All pilgrims entering the country are also required to present a negative PCR test upon arrival.