Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said all arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims travelling for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have been completed.

Minister Dr Shaheem made the remarks after visiting Velana International Airport to inspect preparations ahead of the departure of the first group of pilgrims.

He said accommodation and other arrangements for Maldivian pilgrims in Makkah had been finalised by the Maldives Hajj Corporation, while the Maldives Hajj Mission had already begun operations in Saudi Arabia.

The Minister said relevant institutions were working together to ensure all necessary services are provided to pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage. He added that authorities aim to ensure pilgrims are able to perform Hajj with the highest level of support and convenience.

The first group of Maldivian pilgrims is scheduled to depart on Thursday. A total of 235 pilgrims are set to travel on the first Saudia flight, which is scheduled to depart at 3:25 p.m.

This year’s Hajj travel arrangements are again being carried out under the Makkah Route Initiative, with all pre-departure procedures for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia completed at Velana International Airport.

The Maldives Hajj Corporation also said arrangements in Makkah have been completed ahead of the arrival of pilgrims. These include hotel accommodation, internal transport services and logistical arrangements related to Mina and Arafat, coordinated in collaboration with service providers in Saudi Arabia.