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Umrah group under probe for failing to carry out trips after receiving USD

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. (Photo/Ministry)

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed states an investigation is underway after observing an Umrah group failed to carry out trips after receiving US Dollars from central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA),  under the pretense of escorting pilgrims to Umrah.

Without disclosing the name of the company, Minister Shaheem said that the company’s license will be withheld and they will be fined by MVR 30,000 if found to have violated the regulations on escorting pilgrims to Umrah. Additionally, the case will be submitted to Maldives Police Service for investigation, he added.  

US Dollars are issued by MMA to Umrah groups with a valid license from Islamic Ministry to escort pilgrims to Umrah upon presentation of tickets and relevant documents.

Minister Shaheem said the case will be submitted to the Police for investigation as the group in question is suspected of submitting fake documents to acquire US Dollars.

The Minister also noted that 19 other Umrah groups have been fined by MVR 5,000 for violations of the regulations on escorting pilgrims to Umrah based on the gravity of the violation.

The actions come amid grave violations from some Umrah companies.

In this regard, Al-Hijra Travel and Tours Private Limited recently came under fire for letting pilgrims escorted by the company become stranded in Meccah after being unable to return to the Maldives. Islamic Ministry slapped the company with an MVR 100,000 fine and withheld its license over the case on Thursday. The stranded pilgrims were brought back to Maldives on Saturday by Hajj Corporation. 

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