The Bank of Maldives (BML) has raised the debit card limit for Umrah pilgrims by an additional USD 1,500 for those travelling during Ramadan and the first six days of Shawwal.

The decision, announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on February 10, 2025, applies exclusively to transactions in Saudi Arabia and is limited to one debit card per customer.

BML has coordinated with Umrah travel groups to streamline the process, advising pilgrims travelling with such groups to contact their organisers for assistance. Independent travellers must submit a copy of their passport and travel ticket via the BML mobile app at least five days before departure, excluding bank holidays, to have their card limits adjusted.

In addition to the increased limit, Umrah pilgrims will continue to have a monthly debit card limit of USD 250, while the bank will also sell USD 500 in foreign currency per pilgrim.