Islamic Ministry: Last group from Maldives departing for Hajj on Saturday

Ministry of Islamic Affairs said that the last group from Maldives will be departing for Hajj on Saturday night.

The flight is scheduled to depart at 23:30 and will be carrying 115 pilgrims from Maldives.

The ministry detailed that arrangements have been made with prevalent authorities to facilitate more convenience for pilgrims.

All buses allocated to carry pilgrims will start travelling at 19:00, and added that helpers will be positioned at the dedicated bus points.

“Traffic police will be acting to prevent any difficulties for the busses carrying the pilgrims. Relevant authorities have been providing assistance to pilgrims from Male’ Hulhumale’ as well as in airports,” stated the Islamic Ministry.

This year Maldives received a quota of 453, which was entirely given to the Hajj Corporation. Of the slots, 352 were given to those that waitlisted with the corporation, and the remaining was decided in a draw.

Saudi Arabia said that in order to preserve its success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, pilgrims will need to be under the age of 65 and must have had COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the Saudi Health Ministry.

Pilgrims from foreign countries are also required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test performed within 72 hours of the time of departure to Saudi Arabia.