All aged above 70 in queue for three years guaranteed slots for next year’s hajj

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has announced the decision to guarantee slots for next year’s hajj for all individuals aged above 70 years who have been in queue for at least three years after paying to embark on the holy pilgrimage.

At a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Shaheem said that the authorities engaged in extensive discussions over the last two years to resolve the long waiting line for hajj.

He noted that there are many elderly individuals waiting in queue who fear they might not get the opportunity to perform the hajj pilgrimage.

He said the government has therefore decided to grant the opportunity for all individuals aged above 70 who have been in queue for at least three years to embark on hajj next year.

Monday’s press conference was hosted by Shaheem and Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel, the managing director of Maldives Hajj Corporation.

They told reporters that that the policy will be implemented fairly, without discrimination.

Firzul expects the decision will significantly reduce the number of elderly individuals waiting in queue for hajj.

Firzul said the new policy will apply to all individuals aged 70 and higher who have paid for hajj by December 31, 2023.

The age will be calculated based on all individuals who are 70 or are turning 70 on December 31, 2026.

Firzul estimates the new policy will allow 323 people aged above 70 to perform hajj next year. This includes 86 individuals aged above 75, who will be allowed to take a caretaker to assist them on the pilgrimage.

The Islamic Ministry said the new policy will not result in any delay in the pilgrimage of individuals aged 65 – 69.

Firzul added that the new policy will only apply to first-time hajj pilgrims.

The Islamic Ministry said that while the decision is expected to delay the pilgrimage of some of the individuals aged under 65, the policy offers great relief to elderly individuals who have been waiting years in hopes of performing the holy pilgrimage.

Maldives usually receives an annual quota of 1,000 pilgrims from Saudi Araba for hajj.