First Maldivian Hajj pilgrims return home

Jun 6, 2026, 2:49 PM
Pilgrims at the airport. -- Photo: Hajj Corporation

Pilgrims at the airport. -- Photo: Hajj Corporation

Maldivian pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year have begun returning to the country.

The first group of 241 pilgrims, who travelled through the Maldives Hajj Corporation, arrived back in the country late last night. 

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has urged returning pilgrims to seek immediate medical attention if they experience fever, cold-like symptoms, or any other health concerns. The hospital advised patients to report directly to the triage counter at the Emergency Room (ER) for immediate assistance, rather than waiting for a standard token number.

The second group of Maldivian pilgrims is scheduled to arrive on June 7, followed by the third group on June 8. The fourth and final group is expected to return on June 9.

A total of 1,000 Maldivians travelled to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

The number of people travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj from across the globe has seen an increase compared to last year. Statistics indicate that over 1.5 million international pilgrims performed Hajj this year, representing an increase of 11,000 people compared to the previous year.

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