Umrah Permit Ban Imposed on Askoi Shareholders Over Travel Failures
Askoi Group pilgrims.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has imposed a ban on issuing Umrah permits to Askoi Group and any company linked to its shareholders, following multiple complaints of failing to deliver paid pilgrimage services.
In a statement released on Friday, the ministry announced a series of measures against Askoi Hajj and Umrah Tours Pvt Ltd and affiliated firms. These include revoking existing Umrah permits, imposing a financial penalty, and instructing the company to arrange refunds for pilgrims who had paid to travel this month.
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The ministry also stated that no company involving Askoi Group shareholders would be permitted to facilitate travel for Umrah pilgrims.
The decision comes after the Maldives Police Service launched an investigation last month into allegations that Askoi Group had accepted payments from individuals intending to perform Umrah, but subsequently failed to arrange their trips.
Askoi has previously faced similar issues. In 2016, 38 pilgrims were unable to travel due to visa-related complications. Two years later, in 2018, 168 individuals missed their Umrah trip because of problems involving temporary tickets, which the company attributed to a third-party provider. Most recently, during Ramadan this year, further complaints were lodged over cancelled trips, prompting the ministry to fine the group MVR 130,000.
The ministry stressed that all administrative and legal steps to enforce these measures against Askoi Group and its shareholders will be completed without delay. It has also urged those affected to seek refunds through the company as instructed.
