The state has extended the permission given to Umrah tour operators in Maldives to January 31.

The Islamic ministry confirmed this in a press release on Tuesday.

The ministry has approved 18 companies to organize Umrah trips.

They are:

1. Maldives Hajj Corporation,
2. Acro Umra Group,
3. Al-Haramain Hajj and Umra,
4. Zaee Group,
5. Aiseeru Travels & Trade,
6. Al-Manasik,
7. Al Ain Travel and Tours,
8. Musafir,
9. Tazkiyah,
10. Trav Maldives,
11. Askoi Investment,
12. Sisilfaru Hajj & Umra Group,
13. Dharuma Lil Hajj Wal Umrahthi,
14. Nava Hajj Umrah,
15. Nimsa Maldives,
16. Hijaz,
17. Al Safa, and
18. Zam Zam H & U Travel.