First batch of Maldivian pilgrims return back after hajj

The first flight carrying Maldivian pilgrims back to the country after the hajj pilgrimage of the year 1437 landed in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) on Saturday morning.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs reported that total 252 Maldivian pilgrims under the patronage of Maldives Hajj Corporation would be arriving back to the country on Saturday.

Ministry reported that the pilgrims had set off to Jeddah airport from Mecca via bus on Friday.

It takes approximately two hours to travel from Mecca to Jeddah via bus.

The authority reported that the Maldivian pilgrims had gone to Mecca to perform the umrah, spent two days in Medina, performed the second umrah, and then travelled to Mina on 8th of the month of Zul-Hajj.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs said that all the Maldivians who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage would return back by September 24.