An 18-member delegation from Saudi Arabia has arrived in the Maldives to oversee arrangements under the Makkah Route Initiative for Maldivian pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year.

The delegation was received at Velana International Airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. Authorities stated that the visiting team will facilitate operational preparations and administrative procedures linked to the initiative ahead of the departure of Maldivian pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia included the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative during last year’s Hajj season, making the Maldives one of the countries participating in the programme designed to simplify travel procedures for pilgrims. The initiative allows pilgrims to complete visa processing and several travel clearance procedures before departing for Saudi Arabia.

The programme in the Maldives was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during a special ceremony attended by Chairman of the Makkah Route Initiative Committee and Advisor to the Saudi Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, alongside a senior Saudi delegation.

Authorities stated that the Maldives’ inclusion in the initiative followed extensive discussions between the Government and Saudi authorities. The first group of Maldivian pilgrims travelling for Hajj this year is scheduled to depart on May 15.