The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the 24 umrah pilgrims, who had been stranded in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have safely returned to Maldives.

The group, which included three 12-year-olds, had been affected by issues related to their travel arrangements.

The pilgrims had booked their umrah pilgrimage through the Al-Hijra Travel and Tours Private Limited. However, the company diverted the funds paid for their return tickets for other purposes, leaving the affected individuals stranded in Saudi Arabia without their return arrangements.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs intervened and brought the pilgrims back to the Maldives, ensuring their safe return. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed,  addressed the matter, stating that appropriate action would be taken against Al-Hijra Travel and Tours for the mishandling of the situation.

Furthermore, the Islamic Ministry imposed a fine of MVR 100,000 on the company and revoked the permissions previously granted to them. The Ministry also confirmed that they would be seeking to recover the expenses incurred in repatriating the affected pilgrims. Additionally, the case has been referred to the police for further investigation into potential legal violations, with a report set to be submitted.