Maldives will receive 453 hajj quota this year for the pilgrimage, according to sources from Saudi Arabia.

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously revealed that Saudi Arabia will only open for 1 million pilgrims this year. Out of this, 85 per cent has been allotted for foreign nationals.

While the hajj quota for each country has been publicised, Maldives is set to receive 453 slots. This marks the lowest quota for the country in recent times.

Media Officer at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ismail Afrah revealed to One Online that even though unofficial talks regarding the hajj quota had taken place, the Ministry is yet to receive official confirmation on the hajj quota for Maldives from the Saudi authorities.

Maldives usually receives a hajj quota of 1,000 and is often given an additional 1,000 quota. Before the pandemic, Saudi on average allowed 2 million pilgrimages.

However, following the ease of Covid restrictions in the country, they noted that only those below the age of 65 would be allowed to travel for pilgrimage this year, with the condition of having completed the vaccination doses of an accepted vaccine.

In addition to this, all pilgrims are required to have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.