Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced that 50 pilgrims were taken for Hajj this year at the government’s expense under a special quota. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs clarified this in response to claims that individuals were being prioritized for Hajj at the government’s expense over those who had already paid through the corporation’s queue.
Speaking to reporters at Velana International Airport before departing for Hajj, Dr. Shaheem Ali Saeed explained that the 50 pilgrims were funded by the Finance Ministry’s budget. He emphasized that these pilgrims were not part of the official quotas allocated to the Maldives but were instead under special quotas provided by the Government of Saudi Arabia. According to Dr. Shaheem, Saudi Arabia grants 50 to 70 special quotas to each country.
“So far, there is nothing wrong with the choice of people to go for Hajj at the government’s expense. The government will closely monitor these developments,” stated Dr. Shaheem, addressing concerns about the fairness of selecting pilgrims for state-sponsored Hajj trips.
Despite allegations of irregular practices in sending pilgrims at the state’s expense, Dr. Shaheem assured that the process adhered to principles and regulations.
The government has reported that the final flight carrying the remaining 1,150 Maldivian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will depart today. Additionally, it was announced that the Minister of Education, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, will serve as the Amir al-hajj this year.
