Sending the Pilgrims to Hajj، who were conned by Maleesha and Fath’h Hajj Group، the Government had paid 9.7 million Rufiyaa، said Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
Answering to a question presented to him by Komandoo MP Ahmed Naashid، Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Shaheem said that the Government has spent 3 million Rufiyaa to send the Pilgrims to Hajj، who were conned by Maleesha Hajj Group، during 2011.
Also، he added، that the Government spent 6.7 million Rufiyaa to send the Pilgrims to Hajj، who were conned by Fath’h Hajj Group during this year’s Hajj season.
Minister Shaheem said that the Pilgrims face many complications while attending Hajj، and many distressing situations occurred to them after paying to untrustworthy Hajj groups.
“The Government put high consideration to resolve the matters revolving around the pilgrims who were conned by Hajj groups. With efforts of the Government and private authorities، we were able to send to Hajj، the victims of Maleesha Hajj group، and efforts are being put to sent remaining victims of such trickery by other Hajj groups.” Minister Shaheem said.
He further said that the Government is currently trying everything within the Law to get the money paid by the Pilgrims، who were then conned by the Hajj groups. He said that it is mandatory for an ‘Islamic Government’ to save or help its people in dire situation.
Currently only 50 pilgrims who were victims of Maleesha Hajj Group are left without attending Hajj. 121 Pilgrims who were originally registered under Fath’h Hajj Group has already attended Hajj this year، with the help of Islamic Ministry.