The second group of Maldivian Hajj pilgrims has returned home after completing this year’s pilgrimage.

The first and second groups of pilgrims returned on Saturday, with the Islamic Ministry confirming that 250 pilgrims were in the second group. More than 230 pilgrims returned in the first group. 

The second group returned on a Maldivian Airlines flight from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. 

The third group of pilgrims is scheduled to return on the 16th, while the last group’s arrival is scheduled for the 17th. 

This year, 1,000 pilgrims travelled with the Hajj Corporation, marking the first time that all listed pilgrims were able to perform the pilgrimage within the same year. 

This year, pilgrims experienced a smoother journey thanks to the Makkah Route Initiative, which greatly streamlined the immigration process.