Visa and Travel Arrangements Completed for Maldivian Hajj Pilgrims, Says Hajj Corporation

The Maldives Hajj Corporation has announced that all visa processes and necessary preparations on the Saudi Arabian side for this year’s Maldivian Hajj pilgrims have been completed. 

The corporation is currently conducting training and information sessions and distributing Hajj kits to pilgrims ahead of their departure.

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According to the corporation’s Deputy Managing Director, Al-Ustaz Ali Shareef, training programmes are being held twice a week for the pilgrims. The distribution of luggage has already begun, with each pilgrim receiving a kit containing the Ihram, essential items required for worship, and informational booklets.

Preparations for the pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, as well as arrangements for the Mashaa’ir sites—Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, where key Hajj rituals are performed—are nearing completion. A total of 1,000 Maldivian pilgrims are expected to travel for the pilgrimage this year.

The first group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart for Mecca on 26 May. An advance team will travel to Mecca on 16 May to finalise preparations and welcome the pilgrims upon their arrival.

This year’s Hajj flights will be operated over four days, with services provided by Saudi Airlines and the national carrier, Maldivian.

The Hajj Corporation has also introduced several measures to alleviate the common challenges faced by pilgrims, including difficulties related to shelter, sanitation, food, and medical care, which are heightened by the harsh desert conditions during the pilgrimage.

In a significant change from previous years, pilgrims will return directly to the Maldives from Medina Airport after completing their rituals and visit to Medina, avoiding the lengthy six-hour journey to Jeddah Airport. This adjustment is expected to ease travel burdens on the pilgrims.

Additional medical support will also be provided this year. Local doctors travelling with the pilgrims, as well as doctors at hospitals in Mecca, will offer immediate medical assistance. Furthermore, a health clinic will be established at the pilgrims’ hotel to ensure emergency medical care is readily available.