The Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have formally signed the Hajj Agreement for the Islamic year 1448 AH, further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in facilitating safe, organised and high-quality pilgrimage services for Maldivian pilgrims.
The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the sixth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Saudi Arabia and was signed by Sheikh Usam Mohamed Saeed, Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments of the Maldives, and Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. The annual agreement forms part of the official framework required for countries sending pilgrims to the Kingdom and establishes the principal administrative and operational arrangements for the upcoming Hajj season.
Under the agreement, schedules and procedures relating to Hajj service payments are established, while the responsibilities of Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited are clearly defined. It also provides for the operation of the Maldivian Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia, which will oversee pilgrim welfare, coordination and the delivery of essential services throughout the pilgrimage. During the conference, Deputy Minister Usam also met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan bin Muhammad Al-Rabiah, reflecting the continued close engagement between Maldivian and Saudi authorities in preparing for the Hajj season.
The agreement builds on significant improvements made to the Hajj experience for Maldivian pilgrims during recent seasons. Authorities have highlighted better accommodation arrangements in Mina and Arafat, complimentary pharmaceutical supplies and the implementation of the Makkah Route initiative, which has helped streamline immigration and travel procedures and considerably reduce waiting times at airports. These developments reflect the Government’s continued emphasis on improving the comfort, safety and overall experience of Maldivians performing Hajj.
The Maldives Hajj Corporation and relevant Saudi authorities are expected to conclude further operational agreements in accordance with updated Saudi regulations covering areas such as medical safeguards, transportation services and supporting logistics. These arrangements are intended to ensure that all stages of the pilgrimage are coordinated efficiently and that Maldivian pilgrims receive comprehensive assistance throughout their journey.
As part of preparations for Hajj 1448 AH, the Government has also introduced an equity-focused allocation policy giving priority to registered Maldivian citizens aged 70 years and above who have remained on the national Hajj waiting list for at least three consecutive years. The measure is expected to provide greater opportunity for elderly citizens who have waited several years to fulfil the important religious obligation.
The latest agreement further demonstrates the strong cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia in Islamic affairs and Hajj administration, while supporting the Government’s efforts to provide Maldivian pilgrims with a well-managed, secure and increasingly convenient Hajj experience.
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