Maldivians traveling for the Hajj pilgrimage this year have begun their departure.
The first batch of pilgrims, out of which 222 are traveling with state-owned Hajj Corporation and 4 are traveling with Zaee Hajj Group Pvt. Ltd., departed to Jeddah Monday night. They had also met with Islamic minister Dr. Ahmed Ziyad Bagir at the Islamic Centre prior to their departure.
The Islamic ministry revealed that the rest of the pilgrims are scheduled to depart on August 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
The Saudi Arabian government has reserved a quota of 2,000 for Maldives this year. Half of the quota is reserved for Hajj Corporation, while the remaining 1,000 are distributed equally among 5 private companies permitted by the government. These 5 companies are Mina Hajj and Umra, Sisilfaru Hajj and Umra Group, Al-Haramaini Hajj and Umra Company, Acro Pvt. Ltd., as well as Zaee Hajj Group.
The President has appointed Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, as the head of this year’s Maldivian Hajj pilgrims. He will be accompanied by his spouse during the trip.