ACC advises to hold payments to Hajj Groups

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has advised the public to hold their payments to the companies taking people on the Hajj Pilgrimage since they have ordered the Islamic Ministry to slow down the permit phase for the Hajj Groups.

Three days ago, Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that they would be giving quota for the number of people going on the pilgrimage to five private companies along with the Hajj Corporation.

But the ACC ordered the process to be slowed down with the accusation that the awarding of quota to the companies were done in such a way it allows for corruption.

In a statement issued today, the ACC said that even though the Islamic Ministry has chosen the companies, the ministry has not signed with any company on permits and quota but there have been complaints from the public that some companies are taking payments for the Hajj Pilgrimage. And so the ACC has advised the public to hold any payments to the Hajj Groups.

While ACC has advised to hold payments to the Hajj Groups, an audio clip leaked on which an official of the Islamic Ministry says that permits for the Hajj Pilgrimage has been given in a way that would benefit specific people.

The Maldives has Hajj quota of 1000 people this year so far and 500 of those will go to the Hajj Corporation. And the remaining 500 will be given to the five companies chosen by the Ministry.