Ministry of Islamic Affairs has begun accepting proposals from companies interested in facilitating Umrah pilgrimages.
The Islamic ministry stated that it is accepting proposals submitted by companies that fulfill the criteria dictated in the regulation on facilitating Umrah pilgrimages. Under the regulation, the ministry needs to provide companies with two opportunities to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages. As such, it is the second time such an announcement has been made this year. The ministry will be accepting proposals from October 8-24. The ministry previously opened the submission of proposals in May.
Only companies with 100% Maldivian ownership will be approved for organising pilgrimages, as per the new policy established by the Islamic ministry for the Umrah pilgrimage. The permits are issued for a two-year period.
The ministry stated that 41 companies have been given permission to facilitate Umrah pilgrimages. Of these, permits given to 12 companies expire in November. Companies whose permits have now expired and those whose permits expire in November will have the opportunity to reapply for permits.