The Maldives Hajj Corporation has announced that the second group of Umrah pilgrims will return to the Maldives tonight, arriving at 10:05 p.m.

The first group arrived safely last night at 11:30 p.m., bringing 223 pilgrims back to the country. The corporation confirmed that all pilgrims are in good health. All return flights are being operated by Maldivian.

The third group of Umrah pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives tomorrow at 1:45 p.m.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, more than 7,000 Maldivians travelled for Umrah ahead of the school holidays. Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said all pilgrims are reported to be in good health, and arrangements are being made to return one patient to the Maldives on the 10th of this month.

A significant number of Maldivians traditionally perform Umrah during the school holiday period.