Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated it will soon begin accepting proposals from companies interesting in facilitating Umrah pilgrimages for Maldivians.
The Islamic ministry stated that it will accept proposals submitted by companies that fulfill the criteria dictated in the regulation on facilitating Umrah pilgrimages. The relevant documents pertaining to the submission of proposals are available on the ministry’s website. The ministry will be accepting proposals from August 9-16.
As per the new policy established by the Islamic ministry for the 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.