The administration plans to revise the Hajj quota allocation policy to prioritise first-time Hajj pilgrims or those who have never performed Hajj before, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has revealed. This move aims to give precedence to first-time pilgrims in the selection process.
The number of individuals allowed to perform the Hajj pilgrimage each year is based on the quota provided to the Maldives by the government of Saudi Arabia. Minister Shaheem, in a social media post, highlighted that the Hajj policy of some countries is designed to give priority to first-time pilgrims.
"In certain countries, individuals who have completed their first obligatory Hajj pilgrimage are granted another opportunity to perform Hajj after a period of five years," Minister Shaheem explained. This policy ensures that more first-time pilgrims have the opportunity to undertake their obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, he added.
The administration plans to adopt a similar policy in the Maldives to allow more first-time pilgrims to perform Hajj, according to Minister Shaheem. He highlighted the necessity of consulting the public before implementing any changes to the Hajj quota policy and encouraged the public to share their feedback on the proposed revisions.
Speaking with PSM News, Minister Shaheem confirmed that the ministry is actively working on revising the policy to prioritise first-time pilgrims and to allow those who have previously completed their pilgrimage to undertake Hajj again after a period of five years. The ministry will also seek the opinion of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu before finalising the policy changes, he assured.
Minister Shaheem stated, "In various other countries, policies are in place to prioritise first-time pilgrims. I firmly believe that the Maldives should adopt a similar approach."
At present, the Hajj Quota Allocation Policy in the Maldives gives precedence to the elderly and the infirm. However, it does not give precedence to individuals who have never performed Hajj. According to the current policy, those who finalise the payment of fees to the authorities are permitted to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which has led to concerns among individuals who have yet to undertake their first Hajj.
The Saudi Arabian government consistently allocates an annual quota of 1,000 for the Maldives. Previously, private Hajj tour operators, along with the Maldives Hajj Corporation, arranged Hajj pilgrimages, with the official quota divided between them. However, under the current policy, the entire Hajj quota is now assigned to the Hajj Corporation to prevent private operators from charging exorbitant fees.