Maldivian pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year are set to benefit from a seamless and streamlined journey, following the inclusion of the Maldives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative for 1446 AH. The initiative, launched in 2018, aims to simplify Hajj travel procedures by offering pre-departure immigration and logistical services in pilgrims’ home countries. This seamless process not only enhances comfort and convenience for pilgrims but also reflects an elevated standard of hospitality, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program.
This year, the Government of Saudi Arabia has extended this service to Maldivian Hajj pilgrims, a milestone development that underscores Maldives–Saudi Arabia partnership, reflecting deep-rooted ties and mutual respect between the two nations. The inclusion of the Maldives in the initiative aligns with the active ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to enhance the overall Hajj experience through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring ease, efficiency, and quality of services for Maldivian pilgrims under the direction of the President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The Makkah Route Initiative is managed collaboratively by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its core purpose is to facilitate pre-travel immigration procedures, allowing pilgrims to complete health, visa, customs, and baggage requirements before departure from home country. As a result, upon arrival in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, pilgrims bypass lengthy airport procedures and are transported directly to their accommodations in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the Makkah Route Initiative, pilgrims from the Maldives will benefit from a comprehensive suite of services facilitated by Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth and dignified Hajj experience. These services include:
- Biometric Data Collection and Health Clearance: Prior to departure, pilgrims will undergo biometric data registration and health screenings in the Maldives. This ensures compliance with health and preventive requirements and enables the electronic issuance of the Hajj visa.
- Luggage Handling and Boarding Facilitation: All luggage will be sorted and tagged at the departure terminal at the Velana International Airport, registered under the pilgrim’s name, and securely handled throughout the journey. Boarding passes will be issued at the same terminal, ensuring a streamlined check-in process.
- Pre-Departure Immigration Clearance: Saudi immigration officers stationed in the Maldives will complete all necessary entry procedures before the flight departs. This allows pilgrims to bypass immigration queues upon arrival in Saudi Arabia and head directly to their accommodations.
- Direct Transfer Upon Arrival: Upon arrival in Jeddah or Madinah, pilgrims will be received at the designated terminal and transported directly to their accommodations, avoiding any delays at the airport.
- Direct Delivery of Luggage to Accommodations: Pilgrims’ luggage will be delivered straight to their hotels, eliminating the need to wait at baggage claim or handle their belongings during transfers.
Previously, this service was reserved for countries with high numbers of pilgrims, such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and the Ivory Coast. The inclusion of the Maldives marks a special recognition of the close relationship between the two countries and the Saudi government’s commitment to supporting smaller Hajj delegations and reflects the special regard held for the Maldivian people.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, expressed his deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for extending this facility to Maldivian Hajj pilgrims. He also thanked the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Minister of Interior, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their pivotal efforts in implementing this initiative. He also extended his special appreciation to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, as well as the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives, for their instrumental role in supporting the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in making this initiative accessible to Maldivian pilgrims.
In this regard, the Ministry formally requested the inclusion of the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative two months ago, following several productive discussions with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. The approval of this request for this year’s Hajj marks a historic advancement in simplifying pilgrimage procedures for Maldivians. Dr. Shaheem expressed his heartfelt gratitude and praised Allah for this historical milestone achievement, which represents a significant step forward in delivering a more seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
With the implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative, Maldivian pilgrims can now look forward to a more dignified, and comfortable Hajj experience.
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