Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration has committed to sending the inaugural group of underprivileged individuals on a complimentary Hajj pilgrimage next year, as part of a five-year initiative to send 1,000 people on the sacred journey.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed this announcement today, stating that the specific details, including rules and quota slots for the pilgrims, will be disclosed shortly in an upcoming announcement.
The President initially made this promise during his first-round presidential campaign in Meemu Atoll Mulaku while addressing concerns about the malfunctioning Hajj Corporation. He also assured that individuals facing financial constraints would have the option to pay for the pilgrimage in installments.
Shaheem mentioned plans for discussions aimed at allocating Hajj quotas exclusively to the state-owned Maldives Hajj Corporation. This proposal aims to address the issue of some companies charging excessively high rates for transporting individuals from the Maldives for the pilgrimage.
President Dr. Muizzu, in addition to the annual 1,000 Hajj quotas typically granted to the Maldives, has decided to seek an extra 1000 slots and to strengthen Hajj and Umrah-related activities in the country.