The government is to sponsor Hajj pilgrimage of 2023 for 50 individuals this year.

This was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference held on Tuesday.

The presser was held following a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers.

Announcing the government’s decision to sponsor Hajj pilgrimage for 50 individuals this year, President Muizzu shed light on his presidential pledge to sponsor Hajj for 1,000 people below the poverty line, throughout the next five years.

The first group of 50 individuals is set to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, marking the commencement of this commitment.

The president noted that the number of beneficiaries will vary every year for the next five years and expressed hope for an increase in the years to come.

In addition to this, the president shed light on the selection process for the sponsored pilgrims and noted that the government will follow a predefined policy in selecting the list of beneficiaries from the national registry of individuals below the poverty line.

President Muizzu also reassured the public that there will be transparency in the selection process.

As such, the criteria and procedure will be publicized in the government gazette according to the president.

President Muizzu went on to express confidence that the Hajj sponsorship initiative will become a lasting commitment, continuing its impact beyond the span of his five-year presidential term.