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Umrah pilgrims at Velana International Airport. (Atoll Times Photo)

Ministry refers Askoi to police over Umrah travel complaints

This is not the first time the Askoi Group has faced issues related to Umrah arrangements.

5 days ago
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The Islamic Ministry has referred the Askoi Group to the police following new complaints involving Umrah travel arrangements.

The group has been accused of collecting payments from 28 individuals in Sh. Foakaidhoo without fulfilling the promised trip. Each person reportedly paid MVR 25,000 for an Umrah pilgrimage scheduled for February last year.

According to a complaint shared on social media, group members were asked to prepare for travel by the 24th of this month. However, as the group was making final arrangements, they were informed that the trip would not proceed. Attempts to contact the Askoi Group since then have been unsuccessful.

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed confirmed that the case has been reported to the police, stating that the group is suspected of collecting money without delivering the promised travel. He said action would be taken under existing regulations.

This is not the first time the Askoi Group has faced issues related to Umrah arrangements. Previous incidents include:

  • In 2016, 38 people were unable to depart due to visa issues.

  • In 2018, 168 travellers missed their trip due to issues with temporary tickets. The group blamed a third-party company.

  • In 2025, complaints emerged during Ramadan that the group had cancelled trips after collecting payments. The group was fined MVR 130,000 in that instance.

The Ministry has stated that it is continuing to investigate the matter in cooperation with law enforcement authorities.

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