The first batch of pilgrims on free Hajj trips will depart next year as pledged by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said today.
In addition to strengthening the Hajj Corporation and reducing the cost of the pilgrimage, President Muizzu pledged during a campaign rally in Mulah on August 18 to send 1,000 low-income individuals over five years to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The number of pilgrims will be determined based on the quota and will be announced after the quota is finalized, Shaheem said on X today.
In a recent exclusive interview with Adhadhu, Dr Shaheem said he was considering other changes to the government's Hajj program.
The President only pledged to send low-income individuals to the Hajj pilgrimage but Shaheem said he was considering including people who have retired after a long government service.
"For example, when a person who has served for 40 years or 50 years retires, some of them don't have the capacity to go to Hajj. We're considering starting that," he said.
Discussions were also underway with the relevant authorities on increasing the Hajj quota, Shaheem said.
In addition to fully funding the pilgrimage for low-income individuals, the President also said arrangements would be made for others without the means to pay the Hajj cost in instalments.
