The First Couple of Maldives returned to Maldives after concluding an unofficial visit to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj Pilgrimage.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday evening.

The First Couple departed for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, on July 4.

Hajj Day of this year fell on June 08, 2022. Maldives was granted a quota of 453 Maldivian pilgrims this year.

With only Maldives Hajj Corporation being granted the opportunity to send pilgrims for the hajj pilgrimage this year, it opened applications for 100 out of the 453 spots, in late May. The application window was opened through June 2, and forms were accepted at the meeting hall of the Islamic Center.

The remaining spots were reserved for applicants waitlisted with the corporation.

The price for the hajj pilgrimage this year through Maldives Hajj Corporation was set at MVR 76,960.

President Solih, bade farewell to the last batch of Hajj pilgrims travelling to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, on Saturday evening, at the Velana International Airport.

Speaking with the intending pilgrims, the President advised them to follow the instructions of the officials accompanying them to avoid any incidents. The President also assured them that the administration would keep a close eye on their situation during their pilgrimage, wishing them a "Mabroor Hajj" and a safe journey.

During his visit to Saudi, the President of Maldives met with Majid Al-Kasabi, the Commerce Minister of Saudi Arabia.

President Solih met with the Commerce Minister of Saudi Arabia on July 07.

President's Office disclosed that discussions about expanding bilateral cooperation in commerce and trade between Maldives and Saudi Arabia was held during the meeting.

President Solih is currently in Mina, Saudi Arabia as part of his ongoing Hajj Pilgrimage.

The President expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their current visit.

Additionally, the First Couple of Maldives met with the Maldivian Hajj Pilgrims in the tents in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on July 11.

During the meeting, the President and First Lady inquired about the well-being of the Pilgrims.

Maldivians have not taken part in Hajj pilgrimage over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia eased its restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and announced that the country would be allowing one million people to perform Hajj this year. As such, the country decided to allow individuals below the age of 65 who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as approved by the Saudi Health Ministry to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Pilgrims were mandated to provide a PCR test with negative result.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia allowed 1,000 people living in the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, in 2020. They allowed 60,000 people to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, in 2021, with the ease in restrictions.