The Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) has issued invitations to eligible individuals for the Hajj pilgrimage next year.
Speaking to PSM News, Senior Managing Director at Hajj Corporation Aishath Gahir said that eligible individuals have been notified of the opportunity in the queue order specified by the corporation. As such, she said that arrangements are underway to organise the Hajj pilgrimage for the eligible individuals, including mandatory vaccinations and medical check-ups before their departure. She also said that efforts are being made to provide tracking devices to enhance the safety and quick recovery of any missing pilgrims.
Presently, 6,000 pilgrims are registered in the Hajj Corporation queue, with 4,706 having already completed their payments. The opportunity is also extended to individuals with serious illnesses undergoing treatment, with 150 applications being submitted for this year's pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia allocates 1,000 quotas to the Maldives for the Hajj pilgrimage. Previously, private companies were allowed to facilitate Hajj pilgrimages alongside the Hajj Corporation. However, the government has now decided that the Hajj Corporation will exclusively handle the entire quota. The government is also committed to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for 50 individuals with serious illnesses, in accordance with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge.
The Hajj Corporation delegation includes senior imams to offer religious guidance. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that Sheikh Dr. Adam Shameem has been appointed as the head imam accompanying Maldivian pilgrims during the pilgrimage.