The groups of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims in Mecca for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have begun returning home.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, revealed that the first group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims returned home on July 7.

As such, the group who went through Al-Manasik Hajj and Umrah Group returned home on Friday.

A batch who travelled through Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited is scheduled to fly home later on Friday.

Another batch who travelled through Maldives Hajj Corporation will be flying home on July 10, followed by the group who left through Sisilfaru Hajj and Umrah group scheduled to return the next day.

On July 11, a batch of pilgrims who travelled through Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company will return as well. Their next batch will arrive on July 12.

The third batch of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims who travelled through Maldives Hajj Corporation will return on July 14.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih appointed Vice President Faisal Naseem as the Amir al-Hajj for 2023.

VP Naseem left to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage on June 22 and returned on July 4.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali, who accompanied the Vice President during the trip, also returned after performing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

As the Amir al-Hajj, VP Naseem was tasked with ensuring the smooth and safe operation of pilgrimage of Maldivian pilgrims, including their travel and stay in Saudi Arabia.

The government made special transport arrangements to the airport for the Hajj pilgrims as well as their families from Malé, Hulhumalé and Villingili this year, as the administration accorded a high priority to the secure and smooth conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage. Hence all necessary actions were taken to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.

The first batch of Maldivian pilgrims who performed Hajj pilgrimage this year, departed on June 12. They were seen off at VIA by VP Naseem.

The last batch of Maldivian pilgrims departed on June 19. The final group was seen off at VIA by President Solih.

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

The opportunity to send pilgrims for Hajj pilgrimage this year 1444 was given to three private companies alongside Maldives Hajj Corporation.