Umrah operator’s permit suspended after trip cancellation
Some of the pilgrims gathered outside the company’s office on Tuesday night after the trip was cancelled.
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The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has suspended the permit of the Al-Abrar Umrah Group after the company cancelled a scheduled Umrah trip at short notice.
The group had arranged to take 110 pilgrims for Umrah. Some of the pilgrims gathered outside the company’s office on Tuesday night after the trip was cancelled.
According to information provided to pilgrims, the company decided during a meeting that it could not proceed with the journey due to uncertainty related to the situation in the Middle East until the 26th of this month.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said it has begun an investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said the group cancelled the Umrah trip without providing a valid reason.
The ministry stated that the company’s permit has been suspended for violating regulations governing the arrangement of Umrah travel.
The statement said further action will be taken after additional information and clarification are obtained in accordance with the regulations.
The ministry also said it is working to assist pilgrims who were unable to travel.
The Maldives Hajj Corporation has assisted 28 pilgrims from the group.
According to the corporation, visas were arranged for the group along with accommodation, meals and transport in Makkah and Madinah.
The group of 28 pilgrims departed for Umrah on Wednesday morning.
