The Maldives will permanently adopt the Makkah Route Initiative following a decision by the programme’s Supervisory Committee in Saudi Arabia, confirmed during meetings held between Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and senior Saudi officials.

Minister Dr Shaheem stated that the Supreme Committee responsible for the initiative had approved the continuation of Hajj services under the Makkah Route on a permanent basis. He expressed gratitude to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives Airports Company Limited, Customs, Immigration, the Maldives Hajj Corporation, aviation security teams, and Saudi authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the service for Maldivian pilgrims.

Under the permanent arrangement, Maldivian pilgrims will complete all immigration, visa, biometric, health and security procedures in the Maldives prior to departure, significantly reducing wait times and processing delays on arrival in Jeddah or Medina. At Velana International Airport, pilgrims will receive boarding passes at the dedicated Hajj terminal, with luggage tagged and transferred directly to hotels in Saudi Arabia.

The Makkah Route Initiative is part of Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2018 and jointly overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Ministry of Interior. It aims to improve the pilgrimage experience through enhanced logistics and hospitality, under the direct supervision of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.