Maldives Makes Makkah Route Hajj Services Permanent

News

The Apex Committee on the Makkah Route has approved making Hajj services under the Mecca Route Initiative a permanent arrangement for Maldivian pilgrims.

The decision was announced following a committee meeting in Saudi Arabia, chaired by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. Senior officials from Saudi ministries including Hajj, Foreign Affairs, Aviation, Immigration, and Home Affairs attended the meeting.

Last year marked the Maldives’ first experience with the Makkah Route, during which Saudi authorities praised the cooperation extended by Maldivian officials, including airports, customs, immigration, aviation security, and the Maldives Hajj Corporation.

The permanent implementation of the initiative will simplify Hajj procedures for Maldivian pilgrims, allowing them to complete immigration and customs processes in the Maldives before departure and proceed directly to their accommodation upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Minister Shaheem expressed gratitude to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for his role in making the initiative permanent and conveyed the President’s appreciation to the King and government of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Maldivian people.

The Maldives officially joined the Makkah Route Initiative on 26 May, marking a key step in improving services for pilgrims.