A draw to select 50 individuals for the government-funded Hajj pilgrimage was conducted at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Tuesday.
While 50 individuals were chosen to embark on the sacred journey to Mecca in 1446 under government sponsorship, ten substitutes were also selected in case any of the selected individuals are unable to attend the pilgrimage for any reason.
This initiative aligns with a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his presidential campaign. On 18 August, 2023, while addressing the people of Mulaku, Meemu Atoll, President Muizzu pledged to send 1,000 impoverished individuals on the Hajj pilgrimage under government sponsorship during his first term. The first batch of 50 pilgrims was sent on the Hajj pilgrimage last year.
According to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Adeel, this year’s selection process was carried out from a pool of 302 eligible candidates listed under the Maldives Zakat House’s poverty registry, which was reviewed in December 2024.
The eligibility criteria for selection included being between the ages of 50 and 70, not having performed the obligatory Hajj before, and being in good health to undertake the journey.
Adeel said information on the candidates were verified through island councils, and by directly contacting the candidates. For those selected to go on the pilgrimage from the atolls, the government will also cover their travel and accommodation expenses in Male’.
The Maldives receives 1,000 Hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia every year, with the Maldives Hajj Corporation being the only group providing Hajj services. This year’s Hajj Day falls on June 5.