Over 1400 elderly citizens in Hajj queue: Shakeel

According to the Managing Director of Maldives Hajj Corporation, Mohamed Shakeel a total of 1,473 elderly citizens above the age of 65 are currently waiting for their turn to embark on Hajj pilgrimage.

While speaking on PSM’s “Raajje Miadhu” program, Shakeel said the recent decision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was pleasant news for elderly citizens.

“As of now, we have 1,473 elderly citizens above the age of 65 waiting for their Hajj pilgrimage,” Shakeel said.

President Muizzu had declared a change in policies ensuring prioritization of those who have not yet completed their mandatory pilgrimages.

The main changes to the policy include:

• Prioritization of individuals who have not yet completed their mandatory Hajj pilgrimage
• Elderly citizens aged 65 and above who have not yet performed their mandatory Hajj pilgrimage are allocated guaranteed fixed slots from the Hajj Corporation’s annual quota
• Individuals who have completed their mandatory Hajj pilgrimage will receive their next opportunity after a minimum of five Hijri years

Highlighting on these policy changes, Shakeel said President Muizzu’s decision reflects the prioritization given on ensuring maximum number of elderly citizens embarked on Hajj pilgrimage each year.

He further highlighted that, at the time he assumed Hajj Corporation’s responsibilities, policy dictated that 75 percent of the quota should be designated to new pilgrims who are making their first mandatory pilgrimage trip while the remaining 25 percent is allocated to those who have previously completed a Hajj trip.

The policy changes, as instructed by the president, has increased the percentile for new pilgrims to 90 percent while previous Hajj attendees will now have a 10 percent window.

Shakeel said these policy changes reflect efforts of the corporation to improve its services in accordance with the president’s instructions.