Approximately 376 citizens listed on the national poverty registry as officially classified as impoverished have yet to perform the obligatory Hajj and will be accorded the opportunity to do so within the current presidential term, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has confirmed. The registry, maintained by the Maldives Zakat House, identifies these individuals as eligible under a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to ensure that all impoverished citizens fulfil the religious obligation within his tenure.
The announcement marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to its annual Hajj pilgrimage quota, introducing measures that prioritise both the impoverished and elderly individuals who have faced prolonged delays despite having paid for the journey.
The initiative to fund Hajj travel for those officially classified as impoverished was a central promise of President Muizzu’s electoral campaign. The revised policy departs from longstanding allocation practices previously administered solely by the Maldives Hajj Corporation and reflects a broader effort to expand equitable access to religious obligations.
Under the new framework, 100 individuals in the national poverty registry were granted the opportunity to perform Hajj across the previous and current years, with 50 slots reserved annually. Eligibility is determined by registration with the Zakat House and adherence to established criteria.
In addition to the poverty-focused initiative, the government has enacted regulatory amendments, effective from the upcoming year, aimed at resolving the issue of citizens who have paid their fees but remain on extended waiting lists. These changes are intended to streamline access and reduce delays for long-waiting applicants.
The revised regulations introduce specific priorities within the annual Hajj quota of 1,000. A designated percentage, to be determined annually by the Hajj Corporation, will be allocated to individuals aged 65 and above who have not previously performed Hajj. Additionally, individuals aged 75 and above who require assistance due to health conditions will be permitted to travel with an attendant.
The reforms also impose limitations on repeat pilgrims. Under the new rules, individuals who have previously performed Hajj will only be eligible for a subsequent pilgrimage after a minimum interval of five Hijri years has elapsed since their last journey.
At present, the Hajj Corporation remains the sole entity authorised to facilitate the transport and logistical arrangements for pilgrims departing from the Maldives.