The last batch of Hajj pilgrims arrived back in the Maldives late Tuesday after performing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were scheduled to return in four different flights over the last four days.
The Maldivian Airlines flight carrying the last batch of 255 pilgrims arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Tuesday evening.
The last group of pilgrims had also arrived in the Maldives from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. This is the first time that Maldivian pilgrims have traveled directly to Maldives via Medina.
In previous years, the pilgrims visited Medina, then traveled back to Mecca, and from Mecca to Jeddah - a journey of around eight hours.
However, as part of this Administration’s efforts to provide a better service and experience for pilgrims, arrangements have been made for pilgrims to travel directly from Medina to Maldives to avoid the longer journey back home.
Speaking to PSM News after the safe return home of the last of the 1,000 pilgrims, Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel said that all the pilgrims have been extremely pleased with this year’s all round Hajj arrangements.
"Overall, we saw huge smiles on the faces of the pilgrims. The pilgrims had acknowledged the quality of service this year. The President was constantly checking the arrangements and well-being of the pilgrims. So I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the President,” he said.
The authorities have urged the public to limit the number of people going to the airport to receive the returning pilgrims.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) meanwhile, has urged the returning Hajj pilgrims to be cautious of the spread of flu and viral fever across the country.
HPA has advised pilgrims returning from Hajj or with flu symptoms to use a handkerchief or tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. The HPA has also advised people to dispose of used masks and tissues safely as they can lead to the spread of diseases.
HPA has urged people who develop symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of returning from Hajj or Umrah to seek medical attention immediately.
Maldivians pilgrims, for the first time had undertaken the pilgrimage under the Makkah Route Initiative this year.
As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative allows Maldivian pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby significantly enhancing their travel experience.