The government yesterday held a draw to determine those among the 1,000 underprivileged individuals who are eligible to attend the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj this year on a government sponsorship.
The programme first started last year with 50 pilgrims as part of fulfilling President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge.
The draw to decide this year's 50 pilgrims was held at a special ceremony held at the Islamic Centre. The ministry said that if any of the 50 people are unable to go for Hajj, a draw would be held among the remaining people on the list.
Last year, a case emerged of a well-earning person who was able to go to Hajj under the programme. Since then, Islamic Ministry has reportedly revised the list to prevent such incidences from repeating.
The ministry said island councils have since verified whether the people on the list are eligible to go for Hajj under the programme.
As per the current regulation put together by the ministry regarding the Hajj programme, the draw is held among those officially registered as underprivileged.
According to the government, the programme would allow 50-69 year olds to perform Hajj the first three years of the administration, while the last two years would be dedicated for people between the ages of 45-69.
According to the Islamic Ministry, there are 982 people between the ages of 50 and 69 on the underprivileged register. Of these, 667 people are eligible, and the draw was held among them today.
Today's draw also included an additional 10 people who would be travelling instead of the confirmed 50 individuals, if any of them were to become unable to travel for Hajj.
Apart from the Hajj expenses, the government also pays for domestic transportation and accommodation for pilgrims in Malé before and after their trip to Saudi Arabia.