Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has stated any quotas received by the Maldives to take individuals to Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this year will be issued to Maldives Hajj Corporation.
Speaking to PSM News, Islamic Minister Zahir said efforts are ongoing to acquire quotas for Hajj pilgrimage, noting requests have been made to the Ministry of Hajj and Umra of Saudi Arabia for Hajj quotas. The minister said he is hopeful that the Maldives will receive Hajj quotas, although the number of quotas will be significantly less compared to other years. He added any quotas received by the Maldives this year will be issued to Maldives Hajj Corporation, as there is insufficient time to distribute the quotas among private Hajj groups and conduct the necessary preparations in time for Hajj.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia did not allow any pilgrims from other countries for Hajj last year. Last year’s Hajj was carried out with 1,000 pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia.
This year, the Saudi government has decided to permit more pilgrims for Hajj, with COVID-19 precautions in place. However, the Saudi government has not made any official announcement on allowing foreign pilgrims for Hajj this year.
Maldives usually receives 1,000 quotas every year for Hajj pilgrimage. Half of the quotas are issued to Hajj Corporation, and the remaining half is distributed among private Hajj groups.
Several Maldivians have made advance payments to the Hajj Corporation to take them on the pilgrimage. As such, about 2,500 people have paid 75% in advance to the Hajj Corporation.
The Islamic ministry had earlier revealed only individuals who have completed the two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to go to Hajj this year.