Ministry of Islamic Affairs has granted license to 6 companies to carry Maldivians to Hajj pilgrimage.
Islamic ministry said 18 companies proposed to take pilgrims from Maldives to the Hajj pilgrimage this year. However, proposals from 6 companies were eliminated due to incomplete information. After evaluating the proposals, Islamic ministry granted license to Hajj Corporation and 5 companies. Islamic ministry has also announced the allocated prices of the Hajj pilgrimage from the licensed companies.
Speaking about the preparations for the Hajj season, Deputy Minister Shafiu Ali said if companies take more than the allocated prices, legal action will be taken. The companies were given license on a point basis comprising of 35 percent for price, 60 percent for service and 5 percent for experience.
Only companies which are 100 percent owned by Maldivians will be allowed and must hold the license to take pilgrims to Umrah, according to the regulation to take people to Hajj pilgrimage. The permit will be provided for a period of one year and only one proposal can be submitted per company.
Every year, Maldives receive a quota for 1,000 pilgrims. Some years, additional quotas are also provided. Islamic ministry expressed hope for more quotas this year as well.