Islamic Ministry working with Hajj Corporation to bring home 50 stranded pilgrims

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said on Thursday that around 50 Maldivian pilgrims have been unable to return home from their Umrah trip after a connecting flight from a partner Arab country was cancelled amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press briefing held by the Special Ministerial Committee formed by the President to address public concerns, Shaheem said more than 2,000 Maldivians are currently performing Umrah and all are in good condition.

According to the minister, the group of 50 pilgrims was stranded after their airline cancelled operations due to regional instability. He said the Islamic Ministry, in coordination with Maldives Hajj Corporation, is now arranging their return.

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“About 50 pilgrims were unable to depart for Maldives due to the cancellation of a friendly nation’s airline. They are facing difficulties returning, and the Maldives Hajj Corporation has now begun working with us to bring them back,” Shaheem said.

He added that some outbound flights carrying Maldivian Umrah pilgrims had also been cancelled due to the conflict. The ministry has since made alternative arrangements to ensure all affected pilgrims were able to travel for their pilgrimage.