The first group of Maldivian pilgrims arrived back in the Maldives on Monday, after performing this year's Hajj.

1,150 people from the Maldives went for Hajj this year through the Hajj Corporation.

The pilgrims will arrive in four groups for four days, the Hajj Mission said. The first group of 296 pilgrims arrived today, while the second group will arrive on the 28th of this month. The third group is scheduled to arrive on the 1st of next month while the last group will arrive on the 4th of next month.

One of the pilgrims from the Maldives died this year.

Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem said the Hajj operation was successful and he was pleased to note it. This is the second time that the Hajj Corporation has taken the largest number of pilgrims for Hajj.