Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will not affect Hajj arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims.

The minister made the remarks during a press briefing held by a special Cabinet committee established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to address potential impacts of the regional conflict.

Minister Dr Shaheem said all preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage have been completed, and there will be no disruptions to the pilgrimage programme. He noted that visas have already been issued for all 1,000 pilgrims travelling under the Maldives’ Hajj quota, while accommodation and arrangements for Arafat and Mina have also been finalised.

He added that the Maldives was among the countries that completed Hajj preparations at an early stage.

The minister also revealed that more than 2,000 Maldivians travelled to Makkah for Umrah after the 15th of Ramadan, and that all pilgrims are reported to be in good condition.

Minister Dr Shaheem acknowledged that some Umrah pilgrims had faced difficulties due to flight cancellations linked to the regional situation. However, the Government resolved the issue by arranging a charter flight, enabling all affected pilgrims to travel to Makkah.

He added that efforts are currently underway to bring back around 50 Umrah pilgrims who remain unable to return to the Maldives due to flight disruptions, expressing confidence that arrangements will soon be finalised.