Companies organizing Hajj pilgrimage runs out of quota

The majority of companies permitted to organize and take people to Hajj pilgrimage this year have run out of quota.

Five of the eight companies permitted to carry pilgrims to Hajj this year have said that all 109 slots granted to each company have now been booked. The companies that have run out slots are: Mina Hajj and Umra Private Limited, U.S. investment Private Limited, Sisilfaru Hajj and Umra Group Private Limited, Athama Hajj Group Private Limited, and Za’ee Group Private Limited.

Talking to Sun Online, the Managing Director of Sisilfaru Haajj and Umra Group Hussain Simad said that about 300 people had applied to 109 slots and that all their slots have now been booked. The slots were awarded by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

“A large number of people had come and registered soon after we got the permission quota, and it now its full,” said Simad.

While the five companies have now confirmed that they are fully booked, the three remaining companies, Hamalathul Ihlaasullil Hajj wal Umra Private Limited, Acro Private Limited, Albatross International Private Limited, have not been available for a word regarding the status of their quota.

Islamic Ministry has set the maximum amount allowed be charged from each pilgrim to MVR 67,000, although additional funds may be collected if the pilgrim request for extra services.

While 874 of the 1,000 slots granted to the Maldives by Saudi Arabia this year were distributed amongst the eight qualified companies, the remaining 126 slots are reserved for the people who were swindled out of large sums of money but could not go for Hajj last year. Last year, Maleesha Hajj Group fraudulently collected MVR 11.9 million from 175 people.