President Solih bids farewell to last group of Maldivian pilgrims departing for Hajj

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Saturday, met and bid farewell to the last group of Maldivian pilgrims travelling to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

He met with 115 intending pilgrims at Velana International Airport on Saturday night, and inquired about their wellbeing.

Speaking with the intending pilgrims, the President advised following instructions of the officials accompanying them to avoid any incidents. He also assured that the government would closely monitor the situation during course of their pilgrimage.

President Solih wished the pilgrims wished them a "Mabroor Hajj" and a safe journey.

The President was joined by Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir in seeing off the intending pilgrims. Minister Zahir is the Amir al-Hajj of the Maldives’ Hajj pilgrims for this year.

As per the calendar, Hajj pilgrimage of this year will commence on July 8.

Maldives’ Hajj mission established at Saudi Arabia reports that pilgrims that had arrived so far were in good health.

Saudi Arabia granted quota for 453 Maldivian hajj pilgrims this year – the lowest quota granted to the country in years.

Only Maldives Hajj Corporation was granted the opportunity by the government to send pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year. Of the slots, 352 were given to those that waitlisted with the corporation, and the remaining was decided through a draw.