Lengthy queue pushes new applicants for Hajj spot in 2040

Maldives Hajj Corporation has stated that, due to the lengthy waiting list, individuals making payments now are expected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage only in 2040.

The Corporation said applicants can join the Hajj queue by making an initial payment of MVR 52,500, with the remaining amount to be paid later. The total cost of the pilgrimage has been set at MVR 69,965.

Given the current size of the queue, those registering at present are projected to undertake Hajj in 2040, around 14 years from now.

The extended delay is attributed to the growing number of applicants while the Maldives’ official Hajj quota has remained unchanged.

Saudi Arabia allocates an annual quota of 1,000 pilgrims to the Maldives. Of these, 850 are assigned based on queue order, 100 are reserved for assistants such as caregivers for the elderly and sick as well as cooks, and 50 are allocated for individuals listed on the poverty registry to perform Hajj at government expense. The sponsorship program for those on the poverty registry was introduced by the current administration.

Despite repeated efforts by successive governments, through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, to obtain an increase in the country’s Hajj quota, no notable progress has been made so far.