Easiest Hajj season for Maldivian pilgrims, president says
According to official figures, 1,000 individuals from the Maldives will perform Hajj this year.
President Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that this year’s Hajj season is expected to be the most efficiently arranged for Maldivian pilgrims, with the implementation of the Mecca Route Initiative.
The initiative allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures at their departure airport, enabling them to bypass immigration clearance upon arrival in Jeddah and proceed directly to their accommodation in Mecca. The service was officially launched in the Maldives on Monday.
In a post on X, President Muizzu expressed appreciation for the inclusion of the Maldives among the eight countries participating in the initiative. He noted that the first group of 235 pilgrims had been welcomed in Saudi Arabia without delays at the airport or the need to handle their own baggage.
The President stated that this year’s Hajj experience is expected to be the most streamlined to date and expressed hope for continued improvements in future seasons. He also extended gratitude to the Saudi authorities and offered prayers for the wellbeing of all Maldivian pilgrims.
According to official figures, 1,000 individuals from the Maldives will perform Hajj this year. Pilgrims are departing in groups over four days, beginning Monday and continuing through Thursday.
The Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to take place on the 5th of next month, according to the Islamic calendar.
