Hajj quota is likely to be increased: Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has stated that there is great certainty that the Hajj quota of Maldives will be increased.

The Islamic Minister made the statement while speaking on RaajjeTV's 'Falasurukhee' program.

Speaking regarding the Hajj quota for this year, the Minister noted that work is already underway to increase the quota. He noted that the administration is working hard to increase the Hajj quota. As such, the Minister highlighted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been working hard to increase the number of quotas available to Maldivians.

Minister Zahir went onto disclose that the Maldives has already received 1000 quotas. He noted that 270 of these will be given to private companies. As such, he noted that three groups will be selected and each group will be given 90 quotas.

Noting that the bid evaluation process is currently underway, MInister Zahir stated that the selected groups will be announced soon.

Speaking at a Majlis sitting, the Islamic Minister has said that the Hajj Corporation has a long list of persons who wish to go on the Hajj pilgrimage. He went onto say that there is a list of people who have already completed the payment and has been waiting to complete their Hajj pilgrimage. He noted that the que is long as people have not been taken to Hajj for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Maldives received 453 quotas for Hajj pilgrimage last year.