5 private companies authorized to send pilgrims on hajj 2016

Islamic Ministry has given permission to five companies to send pilgrims on hajj this year.

Islamic Ministry released a statement in which it said that hajj proposals sent by private companies had been evaluated, and five companies selected to send maximum 80 pilgrims on hajj in 2016.

The 5 private companies will therefore be sending total 400 pilgrims on hajj this year; in addition to pilgrims that will be sent on hajj by Hajj Corporation.

Maldives had been given a quota of 1,000 pilgrims for hajj each year by Saudi Arabia – 50 percent of which goes to Maldives Hajj Corporation.

But this number was doubled in 2015 after discussions between Saudi King - Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Abdulla Yameen’s during the state visit to Saudi Arabia in March, 2015.

However, Islamic Ministry has said that Saudi government has given no indication yet that the quota would be increased this year as well.

Rates of hajj package by 5 companies:

• Zaeema Hajj Group Private Limited

Economic Package: MVR 69, 965

• Acro Private Limited:

Economic Package: MVR 69,975

Business Package: MVR 74,975

VIP Package: MVR 79,975

• Mina Hajj and Umrah Private Limited:

Economic Package: 69,965

Business Package: MVR 90,656

VIP Package: MVR 112,229

• Al-Kharamaini Hajj and Umrah Company Private Limited:

Economic Package: MVR 57,999

Business Package: MVR 65,000

• Sisilfar Hajj and Umrah Group

Economic Package: MVR 69,969

Islamic Ministry has said that the five companies are to set up an office to make hajj arrangements within 14 days. And that money collection should start on May 8.

The companies are also required to set aside 90 percent of the quota they receive to send first-time hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.