Maldives Hajj Corporation has opened applications to go on Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for 100 of 453 quotas issued to Maldives.
Hajj Corporation revealed 100 of the 453 quotas issued to the corporation have been opened for applications, while the other 353 quotas have been allocated for individuals already on the waiting list of the corporation. Application forms will be accepted between May 30 and June 2.
Earlier this month, Ministry of Islamic Affairs revealed all 453 Hajj quotas received by the Maldives this year would be issued to Hajj Corporation. The ministry said the decision was made to issue all quotas to Hajj Corporation, due to the lack of sufficient time for the submission of proposals by private organisations.
Due to the limits placed by the Saudi government, the Maldives has received fewer Hajj quotas than before. As such, the 453 quotas received this year is a significant decrease from the 1,000 quotas the Maldives used to receive prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saudi government has announced that one million people will be allowed in the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions. As per the announcement of the Saudi government, only individuals below the age of 65 who have completed the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year. Pilgrims entering the country are also required to present a negative PCR test upon arrival.
