The last group of Maldivians returned from their Hajj pilgrimage on July 27.
The Maldivian pilgrims returned in three groups on July 20, 23, and 27 on Saudia flights. Their return journeys were facilitated by the Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL), and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) had reserved a special area at the airport for the pilgrims.
Additionally, buses transported the families and helpers to the airport to meet the pilgrims every 15 minutes. Maldives Police Service (MPS) diverted traffic for the buses to quickly transport their passengers while Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) assisted pilgrims travelling by taxi. Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) was also present with ambulances at the airport to provide emergency assistance.
A total of 453 Maldivian Pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had closely monitored their travel and accommodation arrangements. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali was also in Saudi Arabia as the Amir al-Hajj from the Maldives.
The Government of Saudi Arabia allowed one million people 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.