The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the names of 19 companies penalised for breaching regulations on transporting individuals from the Maldives to Umrah will be disclosed if fines are not paid within the stipulated time.

The companies were fined MVR 5,000 each for infractions during this year’s pilgrimage season, with further investigations underway regarding a company accused of fraudulent activity involving foreign currency.

Concerns have been raised about the experiences of pilgrims affected by regulatory violations. One company, Al-Hijra Travels and Tours, transported individuals to Mecca on one-way tickets, leaving them stranded. The Government ultimately intervened to repatriate these pilgrims at its own expense.

In light of these incidents, the Ministry imposed a severe penalty on Al-Hijra, including a fine of MVR 100,000, revocation of their operating licence, and a ban on any associated shareholders from conducting Umrah-related business in the future.

The Ministry is also investigating allegations against an unnamed company accused of obtaining dollars fraudulently. The firm reportedly used falsified documents, including fake flight tickets, to secure foreign currency allocations.

Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that if the allegations are proven, the company will face a fine of MVR 30,000, a suspension of its operating licence, and a police complaint for further investigation.

Public calls have been mounting for transparency in these cases, with many urging the Ministry to reveal the names of the violating companies to prevent future malpractice. A Ministry official confirmed to local media that names would only be published if fines remain unpaid.

Al-Hijra’s case has drawn significant attention, with further scrutiny on other companies involved in similar incidents. Last year, during Ramadan, the Government had to intervene when pilgrims managed by Al-Mashar Tours faced difficulties. Shareholders of that company have since been charged.