President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that all individuals who have queued up with the Maldives Hajj Corporation will be able to perform Hajj this year.

This is the first time in decades that all applicants from the same year will be accommodated. In a post on X, he assured that everyone in the queue would get the opportunity to go for Hajj. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, also confirmed that those assured of the pilgrimage would be prioritised.

In recent years, many people have complained about delays in securing Hajj slots. To address this, the government has taken steps, including an agreement allowing 500 pilgrims to travel via the national airline, covering 50 per cent of this year’s total quota.

A new policy has also been introduced, giving priority to first-time pilgrims and setting aside a percentage of slots for individuals over 65. Those above 75 can appoint an aide under certain conditions. Additionally, a five-year gap is required before a person who has already performed Hajj can apply again, except for those serving under the Hajj Corporation. The Hajj Queue List will also be revised before 1 Muharram 1447 to ensure fairness.

Concerns about delays and mismanagement were previously raised in parliament. Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Shakeel explained that past issues were due to quota limitations and delays in the queue system. However, President Dr Muizzu has now instructed that no special quotas be reserved outside the official queue hierarchy. W