Maldivian Hajj pilgrims will now complete all Saudi immigration, customs, and health procedures at Velana International Airport prior to departure, under the Makkah Route Initiative, a transformative facilitation program launched as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative, officially inaugurated on Monday afternoon at Velana International Airport by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, marks a major advancement in enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Maldivians.
In his keynote address at the inauguration ceremony, President Dr. Muizzu described the Makkah Route Initiative as a spiritually meaningful and operationally transformative step forward in the government’s commitment to improving services for pilgrims. He emphasized that the Maldives’ inclusion in this prestigious program reflects the deep brotherly relations between the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom’s continued service to the global Islamic community.
President Dr. Muizzu extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their leadership and generosity in welcoming the Maldives into the Makkah Route Initiative. He noted that this inclusion was a clear testament to the close diplomatic and religious ties between the two nations.
The Makkah Route Initiative allows Maldivian pilgrims to bypass lengthy immigration and customs procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. All formalities, such as visa verification, health screenings, and customs clearance will be completed in the Maldives before departure. Pilgrims will then proceed directly to their accommodations in Mecca, with luggage delivered directly to their hotels, ensuring a smoother and more dignified experience.
Further underscoring the government’s commitment to the well-being of pilgrims, President Dr. Muizzu announced the establishment of a dedicated Hajj clinic in Saudi Arabia. The clinic will be operated in coordination with Saudi medical teams and will be equipped to provide emergency healthcare services to Maldivian pilgrims throughout their journey. He also confirmed that pilgrims will now be transported via high-speed trains instead of buses, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing comfort.
To ease financial concerns during the pilgrimage, President Muizzu also announced that the Bank of Maldives has raised the international transaction limit on debit cards to USD 1,750, enabling pilgrims to manage their expenses abroad with greater ease.
President Dr. Muizzu also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both Maldivian and Saudi Arabia institutions in bringing the initiative to fruition. He extended special appreciation to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia, the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives. He also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs (Maldives), Maldives Immigration, Velana International Airport, and other local agencies for their close coordination and readiness to implement this high-level facilitation programme.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed met with the first group of Maldivian pilgrims departing under the Makkah Route Initiative. They personally observed the facilitation processes conducted at Velana International Airport and interacted with the pilgrims, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring a secure, respectful, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
The implementation of the Makkah Route Initiative not only eases logistical burdens for Maldivian pilgrims but also serves as a powerful example of international cooperation in religious service facilitation. Under President Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldives continues to strengthen its ties with strategic partners while prioritizing the welfare of its citizens on one of the most sacred journeys of their lives.
advertisment
advertisment
