Maldives Immigration has made arrangements to facilitate special visas for foreign Huffaz coming to the Maldives to lead Tarawih prayers during the upcoming Holy month of Ramadan.
Immigration in an announcement said the opportunity for local agents registered with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is now open to submit visa applications looking to bring in foreign Huffaz.
Agents can apply for the special visa through the online portal, Immigration said. Foreign Huffaz will receive a 45 day special visa from the day of arrival in the Maldives, it added.
According to the Immigration, it would respond to visa applications within seven days of submission through its “Imuga” online portal.
The Immigration also reminded local agents to ensure that foreign Huffaz leave the country before the expiry of the special visa.
Immigration has also made special arrangements for family members accompanying foreign Huffaz coming in for Ramadan.
A “Sponsorship Declaration” needs to be submitted online for accompanying family members and will be given a 30 day on-arrival visa, Immigration said. If the accompanying family members plan to stay beyond the visa period, a request for visa extension must be submitted at least seven days before the visa expiry, it added.
Immigration also reminded agents to ensure that foreign Huffaz or their family members do not travel to the Maldives before the special visa or sponsorship declaration is approved.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, meanwhile, has invited locals to register as an agent to bring in Huffaz from abroad to lead Tarawih prayers in mosques across the country.
The deadline for applications is open until 16 February.
The Ministry said allowance for foreign Huffaz must be set based on the respective island's population, with a minimum allowance of USD 13 per prayer.
Additionally, if a foreign Hafiz who resides in the Maldives wishes to lead the prayers, permission can only be granted if he possesses a work permit, is employed in a relevant field or at a Quran centre, and holds Hafiz certification.