President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with the last group of Maldivians leaving for this year's hajj pilgrimage, and bid farewell to the pilgrims.

The Maldivian leader met with the last group of Maldivian pilgrims traveling for Hajj, at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Monday afternoon.

At the meeting, President Solih inquired about their well-being, offered them good wishes and wished them a safe and blessed pilgrimage.

The last group of pilgrims departing for this year’s hajj pilgrimage consisted of 288 pilgrims under the care of the Maldives Hajj Corporation.

The government made arrangements for the smooth transportation of the Hajj pilgrims as well as their families from Malé, Hulhumalé as well as Villingili.

Vice President Faisal Naseem was appointed the Amir al-Hajj for 2023 by President Solih. As the Amir al-Hajj, VP Naseem is tasked with ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the Maldivian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.

The administration accords high priority to the secure and smooth conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage. All necessary actions are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

Maldives has been allocated a quota of 1,000 pilgrims this year.

The opportunity to send pilgrims for the hajj pilgrimage this year was given to three private companies alongside Maldives Hajj Corporation.