Saudi Delegation Arrives in Maldives to Launch Makkah Route Initiative for Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi delegation arrives in Maldives to advance Makkah Route Initiative for smoother Hajj travel | Photo: Islamic Ministry
A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived in the Maldives on Friday to begin preparations for the implementation of the newly introduced Makkah Route Initiative, which aims to streamline travel procedures for Maldivian pilgrims undertaking the Hajj.
وصل وفد سعودي إلى جمهورية المالديف لاستكمال الترتيبات اللازمة لتنفيذ #مبادرة_طريق_مكة لحجاج المالديف، ضمن جهود المملكة في تسهيل إجراءات الحج وتقديم أفضل الخدمات لضيوف الرحمن وكان في مقدمة استقبالهم معالي وزير الشؤون الإسلامية الدكتور محمد شهيم@MakkahRoute @AbdulazizSNA pic.twitter.com/HF6iDE09Gl
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The advance team was welcomed at Velana International Airport by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry. The delegation includes representatives from key Saudi institutions, such as the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives Immigration, and other relevant agencies.
The team’s primary objective is to coordinate the rollout of the initiative in the Maldives, ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place ahead of the first group of Maldivian pilgrims departing for Hajj on 26 May. In total, 26 Saudi officials will be stationed in the Maldives to oversee and support implementation efforts.
Saudi Arabia officially included the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative on 10 May. The programme, launched under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is intended to simplify immigration and travel procedures for pilgrims, enhancing their overall Hajj experience by completing key processes prior to departure.
Under the initiative, pilgrims’ biometric data will be collected, electronic pilgrimage visas issued, and all required health and safety checks conducted in advance. At Velana International Airport, pilgrims’ luggage will be tagged, registered, and boarding passes issued. A dedicated passport control team at the terminal will complete immigration procedures for entry into Saudi Arabia before the pilgrims depart the Maldives.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims will be transferred directly to their accommodation without waiting at the arrival terminal, and their luggage will be delivered straight to their hotel.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated that the Maldives’ inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative signifies the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries and represents a key achievement under the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The development is expected to further enhance the Maldives’ Islamic and diplomatic engagements.
