Hajj Corporation asked to explain non-public Hajj queue list
According to the letter, citizens have questioned whether the current system provides sufficient transparency and safeguards against preferential treatment.
Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim has requested that the Maldives Hajj Corporation be summoned before Parliament's State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee to answer questions regarding the management and transparency of the Hajj queue system.
In a letter addressed to Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla on Sunday, Mohamed Ibrahim called for the corporation's senior management to appear before the committee to address public concerns over Hajj quota allocations and queue administration.
The MP stated that concerns have been raised because the Hajj queue maintained by the corporation is not publicly accessible, making it difficult for applicants to verify their position in the queue or monitor how allocations are made.
According to the letter, citizens have questioned whether the current system provides sufficient transparency and safeguards against preferential treatment.
Mohamed Ibrahim requested that the committee seek clarification from the Hajj Corporation on several issues, including the absence of a mechanism allowing registered pilgrims who have made payments to view their position in the queue.
He also called for information on measures in place to ensure that the queue advances fairly and without undue influence.
Among the questions raised by the MP are why a system allowing applicants to track their place in the queue has not yet been established, what steps are being taken to prevent queue-jumping, and why a version of the queue list cannot be published while protecting personal data.
The letter further asks whether the corporation intends to introduce an online portal displaying registration dates and queue positions, and if so, when such a system is expected to be implemented.
Mohamed Ibrahim also requested details on how the annual Hajj quota allocated to the Maldives is distributed, including the share allocated to the general public and the criteria used to allocate places under special categories.
The Maldives receives an annual Hajj quota of approximately 1,000 pilgrims. Under current arrangements, the Maldives Hajj Corporation is the only entity authorised to facilitate Hajj travel for Maldivian citizens.
