Controversy grows as Pension Scheme withholds funds for hajj pilgrims

The dispute over the withholding of funds for Hajj pilgrims from the Retirement Pension Scheme has intensified.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, a reliable source revealed that the Retirement Pension Scheme has yet to release funds for Hajj pilgrims, and that the Pension Office has been receiving multiple complaints about the issue.

A married couple who has confirmed spaces for Hajj this year told RaajjeMV that although the law has been amended to allow 80 percent withdrawal from the pension fund for Hajj, the Pension Office is implementing it through a complicated procedure. They said that every time they request to release funds, the Pension Office asks for a confirmation letter or proof of guaranteed space for Hajj.

However, they said that Hajj Corporation requires a certain amount of money to be paid in advance to confirm the space. As a result, they have paid MVR 52,000 to secure the space, and there is still MVR 17,465 remaining to be paid. They said that since their space for Hajj this year is confirmed, Hajj Corporation is asking them to pay the amount. When they went to the Pension Office, they were told that it isn’t open for payments yet and are delaying it. The individual said that this is not a reasonable procedure since the space cannot be confirmed without paying the money.

The couple said that although they sought help from the Islamic Ministry and Hajj Corporation regarding the issue, they didn't receive much cooperation, as they were told it's a matter that should be handled by the Pension Office. They also mentioned that they are facing difficulties and inconveniences due to not receiving the money they are entitled to from the pension fund.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the amendment to the law allowing 80 percent withdrawal from the pension fund for performing the obligatory Hajj on 5 August 2019.

With this amendment, 80 percent of the official price set by the government for going to Hajj that year can now be released from the Retirement Savings Account for performing the obligatory Hajj.

The release of funds from the Pension Scheme for Hajj is arranged for those who have not performed the obligatory Hajj and have at least MVR 336,000 deposited in their Retirement Savings Account balance. The Pension Office had also arranged for members to check the available amount for Hajj from their Retirement Savings Account statement and the Pension Office's mobile application.

The policy states that if a participant who withdrew money from the pension fund for Hajj is unable to go that year for any reason, they must return the money to the Pension Office within 30 days after the Hajj day of that year.

According to the policy developed for taking people to Hajj through the Pension Fund, funds should be released to all who apply for Hajj that year. These funds will be released upon receiving a document confirming their Hajj trip. However, the issue of not releasing funds even when this document is presented along with the letter has escalated.

Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding the issue, the Pension Office revealed that they are working on releasing funds in collaboration with Hajj Corporation as it was done before. However, the Pension Office has not confirmed whether the funds for this year's Hajj pilgrims have been sent to the Hajj Corporation yet.