The first batch of 95 Hajj pilgrims from Maldives have left for Saudi Arabia today. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Ziyad met with the Pilgrims before departure.
The Saudi Arabian Government granted a Hajj quota of 1,000 to the Maldives this year. While the first batch of pilgrims left today, the second batch is scheduled to leave on 23rd of this month. Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited and 3 other private groups are tasked with Hajj tours this year.
An immigration counter especially for the Maldivian Hajj pilgrims is established at the Jeddah airport, in order to ease the process, according to Ministry of Islamic Affairs. At the meeting with the Hajj pilgrims, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ahmed Ziyad highlighted the efforts of the government to ease the process of Hajj pilgrims.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom appointed the Minister of Economic Development, Mohamed Saeed, as the Head of this year's Maldivian Hajj pilgrims.