First batch of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims return home

The first batch of Maldivian hajj pilgrims returned home Saturday. A total of 252 pilgrims returned home after hajj pilgrimage today.

The pilgrims are scheduled to return in groups, of which the last is scheduled to arrive on September 24.

The Islamic Ministry licensed 5 private operators to organise Hajj tours this year, with each receiving a quota of 200 pilgrims, while the Maldives Hajj Corporation was allotted a quota of a 1,000 pilgrims.

The Saudi Arabian Government granted a Hajj quota of 2,000 pilgrims to the Maldives this year.