Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Maldives’ Minister of Islamic Affairs, has said the recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran are not expected to affect this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the minister said preparations for the pilgrimage have been completed. The Maldives has already issued visas for its full quota of 1,000 pilgrims and finalized accommodation and arrangements in Arafat and Mina.

Dr Shaheem also noted that more than 2,000 Maldivians traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for Umrah during the last 15 days of Ramadan.

He said the government arranged solutions for pilgrims affected by flight cancellations due to the conflict, including chartering a flight to return Umrah pilgrims to Mecca. Efforts are also underway to bring back about 50 Maldivian pilgrims who were unable to return to the Maldives after a flight cancellation.