The first group of Hajj pilgrims have arrived back in Maldives after performing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims are scheduled to return in four different flights over the next four days.
The Saudia Airline flight carrying the first batch of 230 pilgrims arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Friday afternoon.
The first group of pilgrims arrived in Maldives from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. This is the first time that Maldivian pilgrims have traveled directly to Maldives via Medina.
In previous years, the pilgrims visited Medina, then traveled back to Mecca, and from Mecca to Jeddah - a journey of around eight hours.
However, as part of this Administration’s efforts to provide a better service and experience for pilgrims, arrangements have been made for pilgrims to travel directly from Medina to Maldives to avoid the longer journey back home.
The second group of pilgrims is scheduled to arrive on 14 June followed by the third batch two days later. The last group of pilgrims will return home on the 17 June.
The authorities have urged the public to limit the number of people going to the airport to receive the returning pilgrims.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) meanwhile, has urged the returning Hajj pilgrims to be cautious of the spread of flu and viral fever across the country.
HPA has advised pilgrims returning from Hajj or with flu symptoms to use a handkerchief or tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. The HPA has also advised people to dispose of used masks and tissues safely as they can lead to the spread of diseases.
It has also urged people with fever and cough, especially children, the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions to avoid crowded places, to prevent further spread.
HPA has urged people who develop symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of returning from Hajj or Umrah to seek medical attention immediately.
Maldivians pilgrims, for the first time had undertaken the pilgrimage under the Makkah Route Initiative this year.
As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative allows Maldivian pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby significantly enhancing their travel experience.