The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that 57 companies now hold valid permits to conduct Umrah pilgrimages for Maldivian citizens, with 14 new permits issued this year alone.

List of approved Umrah agents:

1.      Acro Pvt

2.      Adora Enterprises Pvt

3.      Al Ain Travels

4.      Al Burooj Holdings

5.      Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company

6.      Al Hijra Travels and Tours

7.      Al Ihram Pvt

8.      Al Musafir Pvt

9.      Al Safa Pvt

10.  Almanakis Pvt

11.  Arafath Hajj and Umrah

12.  Askoi Travel Service

13.  Dharumalil Hajj Wal Umrathi

14.  Faree Askoi Hajj and Umrah Tourst

15.  Faree Hajj and Umrah

16.  Gafila Maldives

17.  Gasidh Pvt

18.  Ghibl Hajj

19.  Guba Hajj and Umrah

20.  Haneen Hajj and Umrah

21.  Hijaaj Pvt

22.  Hiraa Hajj and Umrah

23.  Jeezan Hajj Wal Umrah

24.  Kamana Holdings

25.  Labbaika Tours

26.  Lando Travels Pvt

27.  Makkah Tours Pvt

28.  Meegaath Hajj and Umrah

29.  Mihraab Hajj and Umrah

30.  Minaa Hajj Umrah

31.  Miskiyaa Pvt

32.  Musafirin Pvt

33.  Navaa Hajj

34.  Nimsa Maldives

35.  Quenzo Pvt

36.  Rihla Travellers

37.  Risala Hajj and Umrah

38.  Sabith Lil Hajj Wal Umrah

39.  Sahaba Investments

40.  Seaview Links Pvt

41.  Shifaya Pvt

42.  Sisilfaru Hajju and Umrah

43.  Tawaf Pvt

44.  Tawakkul Pvt

45.  Tazkiya Pvt

46.  Tazkiya Pvt

47.  Thaha Hajj and Umrah

48.  Thahee Hajj and Umrah

49.  Thaiba Pvt

50.  Thaiseer Travels and Trade

51.  Thaqwa Enterprises Pvti

52.  Yalamlam Pvt

53.  Zaadh al Khair Maldives Pvt

54.  Zaadh Holdings

55.  Zai Group Pvt

56.  Zair Pvt

57.  Zamzam H an U Travels Pvt

The regulatory framework for Umrah services has undergone major changes. Companies can now apply for permits at any time, with existing permit holders able to renew their licences 30 days before expiry. New permits will cost MVR 20,000, and renewals will cost MVR 15,000.

To safeguard pilgrims' interests, the Ministry has implemented two key rules: companies cannot collect fees before obtaining valid permits, and operators must maintain reasonable pricing structures.

The Ministry cautions pilgrims to verify a company's permit status before making any payments for Umrah services.