Islamic Ministry begins probe into groups overcharging hajj pilgrims

Islamic Ministry has launched a probe into companies approved by the Islamic Ministry to escort Maldivians on hajj pilgrimage this year that have been accused of overcharging clients contrary to the rates approved by the Ministry.

Three private tour groups have been approved by the Islamic Ministry to escort hajj pilgrims this year. They are:

• Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company Maldives Pvt. Ltd.: MVR 75,465
• Sisilfaru Hajj and Umrah Pvt. Ltd.: MVR 75,250
• Al Manasik Pvt. Ltd.: MVR 75,000

The rates approved by the Islamic Ministry for all three groups do not exceed MVR 76,000. Each of the three groups received 90 quotas, while the state-run Maldives Hajj Corporation received 1,000.

However, several sources who have paid private groups for hajj pilgrimage this year report they were overcharged. One source also told Sun that the tour group, at the last minute, had raised their rate to MVR 150,000.

Islamic Ministry’s Spokesperson Ismail Afrah confirmed receiving complaints regarding some companies approved by the Ministry to escort Maldivians on hajj pilgrimage this year overcharging clients contrary to the rates approved by the Ministry.

Afrah said that the Ministry is probing the complaints whereas they would take action against those found to be in violation of the regulations.

Groups claim they are forced to charge pilgrims a higher rate because they aren’t confirmed quotas beforehand. They argue it costs more to book hotels and arrange transportations at the last minute.

However, when bidding was reopened earlier this year, groups had the chance to quote between MVR 75,000 and MVR 95,000. They, therefore, had a chance to quote a rate that better reflected their expenses.