Ministry of Islamic Affairs has facilitated the safe return of 24 Umrah pilgrims, including three 12-year-olds, who were stranded in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, due to mismanagement by Al-Hijra Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd.

The company diverted funds meant for return tickets, leaving the group without travel arrangements.

The Ministry fined the company MVR 100,000, revoked its permissions, and is seeking reimbursement for repatriation costs.

The matter has been referred to the police for further investigation into potential legal violations.