No increase in Hajj quota for this year: Islamic Minister

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that unlike previous years, the government of Saudi Arabia did not provide additional quota for any country this year.

Shaheem told reporters at a press conference held at Islamic Ministry this morning that the quota was not increased due to lack of space as a result of construction work to extend Masjid al-Haram area.

“Hotels in the area have been demolished in extension efforts at the Haram area. Lack of space is a big problem currently in Mecca. The Saudi Arabian government has not given additional quota for any country,” Shaheem said.

He denied claims that the quota could not be increased due to the negligence of the Islamic Ministry.

He informed that the Ministry commenced efforts to increase the quota from the day the agreement was signed with the Saudi Arabian government to allow pilgrims to travel for Hajj this year.

He stressed that efforts are still under way in this regard by President Dr Mohamed Waheed.

Work is also ongoing to confirm an official quota of 2,000 pilgrims for Maldives.

Islamic Ministry promised to assist with reclaiming money from organisers who have collected funds from people, but will not be able to facilitate travel due to lack of quota.

“It is illegal to take pilgrims for Hajj on foreign countries’ quotas. We can’t stop anyone who wants to go for Hajj. But all countries have to respect the system’s regulations,” he said.