President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that Maldivian pilgrims will now be able to complete Saudi Arabia’s immigration, customs, and health procedures in Velana International Airport before departing for Hajj, under the Makkah Route Initiative. As part of the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030, this initiative allows Maldivian pilgrims to proceed directly to their accommodations upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby significantly enhancing their travel experience. The President described the initiative as a spiritually significant and transformative milestone that demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enhancing services for pilgrims.
He made the announcement during the official inauguration of the Makkah Route Initiative in the Maldives for the Hajj Season 1446H held this afternoon at Velana International Airport.
In his remarks, President Dr Muizzu extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their leadership and for welcoming the Maldives into this visionary programme. The President described the initiative as a reflection of the strong brotherly relations between the two nations and an embodiment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued service to the Islamic world.
To further support the pilgrims, President announced the establishment of a dedicated Hajj clinic in Saudi Arabia, equipped with emergency medical services, and operated in coordination with Saudi medical teams. Additionally, the Bank of Maldives has raised the international transaction limit on debit cards to USD 1,750 to ease financial concerns during the pilgrimage. President reaffirmed the Government’s full commitment to ensuring a secure, dignified, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all Maldivian pilgrims. As such, the President highlighted that from this year onwards, Maldivians will be travelling in the high-speed trains instead of the buses.
The President expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Interior, the Steering Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Maldives for their relentless efforts in initiating the programme. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Maldives Immigration, Velana International Airport, and other relevant local agencies for their close coordination with Saudi counterparts in facilitating the implementation of the initiative. The successful implementation of the initiative, he said, reflects the shared commitment to the service of Islam and the Ummah.
Prior to the inauguration ceremony, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed met with Maldivian pilgrims embarking on the first journey under the Makkah Route Initiative. They also observed the facilitation procedures conducted at Velana International Airport as part of this new initiative.
