The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has fined Al-Hijra Travel and Tours Private Limited for violating policies related to organising Umrah pilgrimages from the Maldives.

According to the Ministry, the company failed to purchase return tickets for 23 Umrah pilgrims, despite receiving payments, and misused the funds for their own purposes. As a result, the pilgrims were stranded, prompting the Maldives Hajj Corporation to step in and assist in resolving the situation.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has implemented several measures against Al-Hijra Travel and Tours. These include revoking the group's permit to organise Umrah pilgrimages, imposing a fine of MVR 100,000, and barring the group or any company involving its shareholders from organising Umrah pilgrimages in the future.

Additionally, the company is required to reimburse the Ministry for the expenses incurred in bringing the stranded pilgrims back to the Maldives. The case will also be investigated further and submitted to the police for legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to taking all necessary administrative and legal actions to prevent similar incidents in the future and to hold violators accountable.