First group of Maldivian pilgrims return from Hajj
The second group is scheduled to arrive Saturday, with additional groups expected on Monday and Tuesday.
The first group of Maldivian pilgrims returning from this year’s Hajj has arrived in the country.
According to authorities, the return of pilgrims is being carried out over four flights under the 1,000-person Hajj quota allocated for the Maldives this year. The first group departed from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. The second group is scheduled to arrive Saturday, with additional groups expected on Monday and Tuesday.
This year’s pilgrims travelled under the Mecca Route Initiative. Arrangements for their stay in Mina were also modified as part of this year’s operations.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised the public to limit gatherings at the airport when receiving pilgrims to reduce the risk of communicable diseases. Special flu clinics have been set up at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Uppsala Hospital for individuals showing symptoms of fever or influenza.
