We are trying to arrange hajj pilgrimage on credit, for those deceived by Maleesha: Islamic Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that efforts are under way to arrange the hajj pilgrimage for those who were embezzled by Maleesha Hajj and Umra Group, with the arrangement that the pilgrims pay the government later.

Speaking at a press conference today, Shaheem said that those who paid money to Maleesha Group should get their money back, however, this has not yet been possible, and the government has thus decided to pay for their pilgrimage.

“I have held discussions with relevant government authorities on behalf of those who paid Maleesha Group, including the Finance Ministry. Our plan now is, while a case has been filed to court against the person who misappropriated the funds, the money should be returned to them. It’s their right. The government is trying to help them, with the arrangement that they pay the government later,” he said.

He said that this decision will be finalised in a week or so.

Head of Maleesha Group Ismail Abdul Latheef, who collected MVR 8,626,000 from several people with the promise of taking them to hajj, has been charged by the State for fraud.

Speaking on taking people to hajj this year, Shaheem said that efforts in this regard are under way following the annulment by the High Court of the Civil Court order upon the ministry to re-evaluate the proposals submitted by four companies.

The High Court’s annulment of the Civil Court order has now been appealed in to Supreme Court. Shaheem expressed hope that the Supreme Court would deliver a verdict on this case as soon as possible.