Minister: Dedicated legislation required to resolve negligence by Umrah travel operators
The Ministry has commenced drafting a specialized Hajj and Umrah Act to establish a permanent solution for negligence by pilgrimage travel operators. This legislation will clearly define the roles of the Maldives Hajj Corporation and private companies while establishing a legal framework to penalize those who fail to meet their obligations. Minister Shaheem stated that transitioning from current regulations to a robust legal framework will significantly strengthen the government's ability to address and resolve such issues effectively.
Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed attends Parliament to respond to questions from members. | Majilis
Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that the issue of negligence by Umrah tour operators can only be resolved by introducing a dedicated law to regulate the industry.
The Minister made these remarks during Wednesday's parliamentary session in response to an inquiry from the Member of Parliament for the Manadhoo constituency, Husnee Mubarik. During the session, the MP questioned what measures were being taken to address the issue of negligence by companies providing Umrah pilgrimage services.
In response to the question, the Minister stated that a fair solution must be found for such issues, adding that the Ministry is currently working on drafting a legal framework to achieve this.
"I believe a fair solution to this issue can only be achieved by drafting a specialized law. Therefore, our Ministry is currently working on drafting a bill to govern matters related to Hajj and Umrah in the Maldives."Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed
The Minister stated that the proposed legislation will clearly define the respective roles of the Maldives Hajj Corporation and private companies. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the necessity of strengthening the legal framework to ensure that penalties can be imposed for any offenses committed by these entities.
The Minister stated that legal frameworks have also been established in other countries to address and resolve such issues.
Cases of fraud and deception by companies providing Umrah pilgrimage services have become increasingly frequent. Common issues include collecting payments only to inform pilgrims at the last minute that arrangements are incomplete, as well as failing to secure return flight tickets. Typically, by the time such issues come to public light, complaints regarding the same company have often been filed in previous years as well.
To address this issue, the government has established a special regulation requiring Umrah tour operators to obtain formal authorization from the Ministry.
According to the regulations, any individual or entity organizing Umrah pilgrimages, collecting payments, or providing related services in any capacity must obtain prior authorization under the established guidelines. These permits are issued for a two-year period, after which providers are required to submit a new application for renewal.
The Minister stated that a law would carry more legal weight than such policies and regulations, adding that the government is currently working towards that objective.
