Efforts underway to repatriate 50 Umrah pilgrims stranded abroad following flight cancellations due to regional conflict
The government is working to facilitate the return of 50 Umrah pilgrims stranded abroad after flight cancellations caused by shifting tensions in the Middle East. Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that there are currently no indications that the ongoing regional conflict will disrupt this year's Hajj pilgrimage. The Minister further confirmed that visa processing has been completed for the pilgrims traveling under the 1,000 Hajj quotas allocated to the Maldives.
Every year during the month of Ramadan, a significant number of Maldivians travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. | Social Media | Social Media
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that efforts are underway to repatriate 50 Umrah pilgrims currently stranded abroad due to flight cancellations linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday held by the committee established by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to coordinate war-related matters, Minister Shaheem stated that over 2,000 Maldivians have traveled for Umrah pilgrimage so far during the month of Ramadan, and confirmed that all pilgrims are in good health.
In response to the recent situation where several international flights were canceled due to regional circumstances, we have successfully resolved the issues faced by Umrah pilgrims who were scheduled to travel via transit routes. Additionally, some Maldivian companies were also forced to cancel their flights because of the current situation. This led to significant difficulties for several pilgrims, some of whom had already traveled from various islands to Male' to depart for their pilgrimage when the disruptions occurred. Following government intervention, a new flight was chartered, and all affected pilgrims have now successfully departed for Mecca.Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed
Minister Shaheem stated that efforts are underway in coordination with the Hajj Corporation to repatriate 50 Umrah pilgrims who have been stranded due to a flight cancellation. He further assured that arrangements will be finalized shortly to facilitate their return to the Maldives.
God willing, our national airline is currently operating flights to transport Umrah pilgrims. We expect them to return to the Maldives safely. God willing, everything will be well-organized to ensure they do not face any difficulties.Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed
Furthermore, Minister Shaheem also spoke regarding Hajj-related matters.
Minister Shaheem stated that there are currently no indications that the ongoing conflict will cause any disruptions to Hajj travel. He noted that all Hajj-related arrangements have been well-organized and that the Maldives is among the first countries to finalize these preparations. The Minister further confirmed that visas have already been issued for all pilgrims traveling under the Maldives' official quota of 1,000.
