Maldivian pilgrims begun returning after Hajj

Maldivian pilgrims who traveled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have begun returning to the Maldives.

A total of 1,000 Maldivians traveled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage under the oversight of Maldives Hajj Corporation.

The flight carrying the first group of returning pilgrims landed at approximately 14:00pm this afternoon.

The pilgrims will be traveling back to Maldives in four groups. The remaining three groups will be arriving in the Maldives in flights scheduled for Saturday, Monday and Tuesday nights.

According to Islamic Ministry, the pilgrims are traveling on flights from Saudia and Maldivian. 

Notably, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has set up a flu clinic for pilgrims.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised against taking children when going to receive pilgrims at the airport.

The Maldives was added to the Makkah Route Initiative this year, which means pilgrims were able to complete immigration procedures of both countries at the Velana International Airport before leaving for Saudi Arabia.

This eliminated waiting time at Jeddah airport and allowed pilgrims to directly go to their hotels with their luggage.