The Maldives Hajj Corporation has begun the return of pilgrims who performed Umrah during Ramadan, with the first flight scheduled to arrive in Malé at 9:30 a.m. today.

The corporation said that more than 600 pilgrims travelled to Mecca during Ramadan this year, with return operations now underway following completion of the pilgrimage. Two flights are scheduled for Wednesday, carrying 58 and 60 passengers, as part of the initial phase of return arrangements. The final return flight is scheduled for 29 March.

Pilgrims were organised in two groups during Ramadan, with around 230 individuals travelling under the corporation’s programme. In addition, the corporation assisted more than 160 individuals affected by a fraudulent Umrah scheme, with over 40 pilgrims provided services directly under its supervision.

During their stay, pilgrims visited key religious sites in Mecca and Medina, with opportunities also provided for those wishing to perform Umrah more than once.