The ongoing efforts to revamp the Hajj pilgrimage framework would see lower pilgrimage fares for the island nation before the end of the five year term of this Administration, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.
Minister Dr Shaheem made these remarks during the fourth forum of the 'Ahaa' series, through which the government provides direct answers to citizens' questions which was held on Saturday evening.
Speaking during the forum, the Minister said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has attached special emphasis to revamping and streamlining the system to offer better services for Maldivian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.
According to the Minister, the Maldives Hajj Corporation (MHC) is working to reduce the Hajj fares for locals under the directive of the President. He expressed belief that a positive change will come during this term.
"The Maldives Hajj Corporation has a vision to reduce the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is difficult to say whether it will be achieved today. However, we will see a positive change during President Dr Muizzu's term, he said.
The Minister also noted that a recent policy change has brought much needed relief to thousands of Maldivians who have waited for years to perform the sacred pilgrimage, as the island nation receives an annual 1,000 quota from Saudi Arabia for local pilgrims.
According to the Maldives Hajj Corporation, there are currently 9,115 people on the waiting list for Hajj pilgrimage. Of these, 8,623 people are seeking their first Hajj pilgrimage.
President Dr Mohamed has announced the decision to revise the present Hajj quota policy to give precedence to first time pilgrims, giving renewed hope for the people on the long wait list.
The decision was taken to revise the policy to offer a solution for the long list of people waiting to perform the sacred Hajj pilgrimage for the first time.
Minister Dr Shaheem said the Cabinet has decided to give special concessions to the elderly and those with special circumstances from next year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Highlighting the significant achievements of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs during the past year, the Minister said last year saw the most number of people paying Zakat while the government has managed to restore public faith in the system. Minister Dr Shaheem also noted that the Zakat Fund plays an important role in providing assistance to the needy in the society. In addition, he said more than 40 projects are underway this year to develop and renovate mosques throughout the country.