President Muizzu Introduces New Hajj Policy to Prioritize First-Time Pilgrims

  • Maldives
  • Travel
PUBLISHED 06 January 2025

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced changes to the Hajj policy, ensuring that first-time pilgrims receive priority in the allocation of Hajj slots. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting after discussions on a proposal by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the President's Office confirmed.


The revised policy, aimed at addressing long waiting lists for those who have already paid to the Maldives Hajj Corporation, includes the following provisions:




  1. Priority for First-Time Pilgrims: Hajj slots will be allocated with precedence given to individuals who have never performed the pilgrimage.




  2. Special Consideration for the Elderly:



    • A designated percentage of slots will be reserved for first-time pilgrims aged 65 and above.

    • Those aged 75 and above requiring assistance due to health reasons will be allowed to travel with a helper. The helper must also be a first-time pilgrim unless no such individual is available, in which case an experienced family member on the Hajj Corporation list will be appointed.




  3. Health Assessment: The health condition of applicants will be verified by a doctor assigned by the Hajj Corporation.




  4. Five-Year Gap for Repeat Pilgrims: Individuals who have previously completed the Hajj pilgrimage will only be eligible for a slot after a five-year interval, based on the Hijri calendar.




  5. Exemptions for Helpers: Persons traveling as designated helpers under Hajj Corporation policies are exempt from these conditions.




The President's Office stated that these changes aim to resolve the backlog of individuals awaiting Hajj slots despite having made payments to the Hajj Corporation. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase the national Hajj quota to accommodate more pilgrims in the future.


This revised approach underscores the government's commitment to fairness and inclusivity in facilitating the spiritual journey of Hajj for Maldivians.