No disruptions are expected for Maldivian pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year despite ongoing regional tensions, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.

He made the remarks at a press briefing held by Special Cabinet Committee at the President’s Office.

Minister Dr Shaheem stated that all arrangements for this year’s Hajj have been completed in advance. These include visa processing, flight schedules, and accommodation arrangements for pilgrims.

The first group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart on the 15th of next month. As in previous years, Maldivian pilgrims will also receive services under the Makkah Route Initiative.

An advance team from Saudi Arabia is expected to arrive in the Maldives next week to assist with preparations for the initiative.

The Makkah Route Initiative is a programme introduced by Saudi authorities to facilitate Hajj travel procedures, including immigration clearance and transport arrangements from the airport to accommodation.

Under the initiative, pilgrims will not need to wait for passport stamping or luggage collection upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Instead, they will be transported directly to their hotels, with luggage delivered separately.

This service was first introduced for Maldivian pilgrims last year.