Minister of Islamic Affairs has revealed expatriates were given slots to perform Hajj pilgrimage within the regulations. The ministry made the remarks amid comments on social media saying two foreigners travelled to Saudi Arabia in the slots provided for Maldivians.
Speaking to PSM News, Islamic ministry assured two Indian nationals travelled with Maldivians in accordance with the regulations. The ministry stated one of the foreign nationals was a victim of a fraud and made a payment to Maleesha Hajj Group to travel to Saudi Arabia.
The national was among the 32 victims of the fraud case who travelled with Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited (MHCL) to perform Hajj. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had decided to send all the individuals who made payments to Maleesha Hajj Group but were unable to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, the other person went to Hajj pilgrimage via a private Hajj group and as per the regulation to travel with foreign spouses to Saudi Arabia, according to Islamic ministry.