Long Hajj queues are natural; backlog worsened by COVID-19: Minister
Shaheem has stated that the Hajj queue remains lengthy due to a backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic and a high volume of early registrations. The Minister highlighted that while the government prioritizes elderly citizens for pilgrimage, opportunities have also been extended to the underprivileged under a special policy by the President. Encouraging citizens to remain in the queue, the Minister noted that Saudi Arabia is likely to increase the Hajj quota for the Maldives in the future.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed attends Parliament to respond to questions from members. | Majilis
The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has stated that the significant increase in the Hajj pilgrimage waiting list is primarily due to the backlog created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responding to members' inquiries regarding Hajj during Wednesday's session, the Minister stated that the lengthy Hajj queue is not an issue unique to the Maldives. He noted that the list of people waiting to perform the pilgrimage has grown significantly due to the backlog created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister stated that many parents and offices are enrolling individuals on the Hajj waiting list by paying a specific minimum amount, which contributes to the apparent length of the queue. He noted that this is a natural occurrence.
There is currently a very strategic approach to joining the Hajj queue in the Maldives. Parents are enrolling their children in advance by making initial payments, while civil servants are securing their spots on the list through monthly salary deductions to cover the costs. Consequently, I view the lengthening of the queue as a natural progression of this organized planning.Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed
The Minister stated that it would be prudent for individuals to remain in the queue after making the specified payment, noting the possibility that Saudi Arabia may increase the Hajj quota.
However, noting that many elderly citizens had registered for the Hajj pilgrimage prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister stated that the government is currently making the necessary arrangements to facilitate their travel.
The Minister further stated that the government does not grant special preferences or exemptions to specific individuals. However, he noted that under a special policy of the President, measures have been introduced to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage for the poor. The Minister highlighted that this is a practice that has also been implemented by previous administrations.
