The Maldives Hajj Corporation has announced that visa arrangements as well as all necessary arrangements from Saudi Arabian side for this year's Hajj pilgrims from the Maldives have been completed. The corporation is now conducting training and information sessions and distibuting Hajj kits to the pilgrims ahead of their departure.
Speaking to PSM News, Hajj Corporation’s Deputy Managing Director Al-Ustaz Ali Shareef said training programs are already being conducted twice a week for the pilgrims. The distribution of luggage to the pilgrims has already commenced, with each receiving a kit containing Ihram, essential items needed for worship as well as information booklets, he said.
Ali Shareef said that besides the arrangements to be made in Mecca and Medina before the departure of the 1,000 Maldivian pilgrims, the arrangements for the Mashaa’ir, the sacred sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, where rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage are performed, are also nearing completion.
According to Ali Shareef, the first group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart to Mecca on 26 May. Prior to that, an advance team will leave for Mecca on 16 May to make the final arrangements and welcome the pilgrims.
Ali Shareef explained that this year’s Hajj flights will be operated over four days, with services provided by Saudi Airlines as well as the national flag-carrier Maldivian.
Addressing the challenges faced by pilgrims each year, Ali Shareef said the corporation has undertaken several measures to alleviate the difficulties.
"As you are aware, the pilgrimage takes place in a harsh desert environment. The shelters are not very comfortable, and there are several challenges with toilets, food, and medical care. We, the Hajj Corporation, are striving to provide as much relief as possible,” he said.
Ali Shareef said unlike previous years, pilgrims will return to the Maldives from Medina airport after completing the Hajj rituals and their visit to Medina, avoiding the six-hour journey from Medina to Jeddah Airport. The change is expected to ease the burden on pilgrims, he said.
Unlike previous years, arrangements have also been made for both local doctors traveling from the Maldives as well as doctors at Meccan hospitals to provide immediate assistance to pilgrims, said Ali Shareef. In addition, a health clinic will also be established at the hotel where the pilgrims will be staying to provide emergency medical care, he added.