The delegate from Saudi Arabia has commenced preparations to finalise the departure arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims travelling under the Makkah Route Initiative.

To introduce the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives, a delegation from Saudi Arabia, including representatives from the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and other related agencies, arrived in the Maldives on Saturday.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated that the delegation has begun preparations to finalise the departure arrangements. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has been overseeing their progress.

The Makkah Route Initiative is set to be inaugurated on May 26, with the departure of the first flight of pilgrims from the Maldives.

Participation in the Makkah Route Initiative will provide greater ease and improved facilities for the pilgrims. The initiative aims to streamline immigration procedures by completing them at the point of departure, allowing pilgrims to bypass lengthy processing upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.