President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has instructed relevant authorities to facilitate the immediate departure of Maldivian pilgrims whose Umrah travel plans were disrupted due to regional instability and complications involving private travel arrangements. The directive was confirmed by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who stated that the government is actively coordinating efforts to ensure that affected citizens are able to continue their pilgrimage and fulfil their religious obligations.
According to the minister, the government is currently working through a coordinated response involving the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Maldives Hajj Corporation, and the national airline Maldivian to resolve the logistical challenges faced by pilgrims. The effort aims to provide swift solutions for travellers whose journeys were interrupted due to flight cancellations and travel arrangements that failed to materialize through certain private operators.
Minister Shaheem explained that President Muizzu has issued clear instructions to find solutions for all Maldivian pilgrims affected by the situation. The response includes individuals whose travel itineraries were disrupted by private travel companies as well as those who were unable to proceed after transit flights were cancelled. He noted that the ministry, together with state institutions, has already begun implementing measures to assist those affected.
The disruption to travel occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have affected several international air routes and resulted in a series of flight cancellations. As a consequence, a number of Maldivian pilgrims were unable to proceed with their scheduled journeys. Authorities have identified approximately 150 individuals who require urgent travel arrangements in order to continue their pilgrimage.
Minister Shaheem stated that the government is exploring all possible travel solutions, including the possibility of chartered flights if conditions permit. Should additional flight capacity become available, further opportunities will be provided to other pilgrims seeking to travel for Umrah. Despite the limited time available to resolve the situation, the minister emphasized that government agencies are working intensively to overcome the logistical challenges and ensure that pilgrims are able to proceed with their journeys.
Public concern regarding the pilgrimage programme increased following reports that a private Umrah group had collected payments from pilgrims without completing the necessary travel arrangements. Many of the affected individuals subsequently sought assistance from the Maldives Hajj Corporation to enable them to continue with their pilgrimage plans.
Officials confirmed that the Maldives Hajj Corporation has already secured visas for 28 of the affected pilgrims. Comprehensive arrangements have also been finalized to support their stay in the holy cities, including accommodation, dining, and transportation services in Makkah and Madinah. Authorities indicated that the government will continue working closely with relevant partners to ensure that all affected pilgrims receive the necessary support to complete their Umrah journey.
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