Maldivian pilgrims will once again travel for Hajj this year under the Makkah Route initiative, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated.

The Ministry noted that preparations are underway, with an advance team from Saudi Arabia expected to arrive in the Maldives next week to facilitate the arrangements.

During the upcoming visit, the advance team will collect all necessary information from pilgrims in the Maldives, including biometric data, and complete required security and administrative procedures ahead of departure.

The Makkah Route initiative is a programme introduced by Saudi authorities to streamline travel procedures for pilgrims. It is designed to ease processes such as flight travel and transfers from the airport to accommodation.

Under this initiative, Maldivian pilgrims will not be required to wait for passport stamping or collect luggage upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Instead, pilgrims will be transported directly to their hotels, with luggage delivered separately to their accommodation. Pilgrims will also receive an official welcome upon arrival at the airport.

This service was first introduced to Maldivian pilgrims last year.