Clinic established for Maldivian pilgrims in Mecca in a first

In a first, a clinic has been established in Saudi Arabia to provide medical services for Maldivian pilgrims.

This year’s Hajj Day will fall on June 6^th. Maldives has received a quota of 1,000 pilgrims this year.

Islamic Minister Dr. Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on Friday that, following approval from the Saudi Arabian government for the Maldives Hajj Mission to establish a dedicated clinic for Maldivian pilgrims during the Hajj season, the Maldives Hajj Corporation has set up a well-equipped clinic.

The clinic was set up in collaboration with Mecca’s Abir Hospital and is located at Hajj Corporation’s hotel in Mecca. According to Minister Shaheem, the clinic features a treatment area and hospital beds.

The Minister noted that this marked the first time a clinic has been set up for Maldivian pilgrims in collaboration with a Saudi hospital.

Notably, the current administration has facilitated huge easements for pilgrims.

In this regard, Bank of Maldives (BML) has increased the USD limit for pilgrims to USD 1,750 at the instruction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The administration has also enrolled Maldives for the Makkah Route Initiative this year, which means pilgrims can complete immigration procedures of both countries at the Velana International Airport before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

This eliminates waiting time at Jeddah airport and allows pilgrims to directly go to their hotels with their luggage.

According to the Islamic Ministry, the first group of Maldivian pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia on May 26^th.