Umrah company fined MVR 100,000; police case filed
Funds provided by the pilgrims were not used to pay for their return tickets, leaving 23 group stranded in Mecca.
Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Thursday announced legal action against Al-Hijra Travel and Tours for neglecting 23 Umrah pilgrims and misusing their payments, with the company fined MVR 100,000 and a case filed with the police.
Al-Hijra Travel and Tours had arranged an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca last month. However, the funds provided by the pilgrims were not used to pay for their return tickets, leaving 23 group stranded in Mecca.
The Hajj Corporation team has since taken responsibility for the affected pilgrims in Mecca.
In a statement, the Islamic Ministry revealed that officials from Al-Hijra admitted to using the funds for purposes unrelated to the pilgrimage. The following measures have been taken against the company:
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The permit allowing Al-Hijra to organise Umrah pilgrimages has been revoked.
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The company and its shareholders are barred from organising any future Umrah trips under any business name.
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The company has been fined MVR 100,000.
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Al-Hijra must reimburse the Islamic Ministry for expenses incurred in managing the situation.
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The violation of Umrah regulations by Al-Hijra will be submitted to the police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The company is owned by Firaq Mohamed and Musthafa Mohamed.
Cases of neglecting pilgrims by travel groups have occurred previously. Last year, the police sought charges against Mashar Group for issuing bounced cheques related to Umrah arrangements.
