The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that corporations who are found guilty of fraudulent conduct in Hajj pilgrimage services will face hefty fines.
The authority further stated that companies found culpable misconduct may face legal fines up to MVR 500,000.
Furthermore, the ministry has put on various ways in which Hajj and Umrah service providers could be fined, which include;
- Lack of administrative procedures are subject to fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000
- Companies violating the regulations of collecting fees and charges from pilgrims, violation of disciplinary regulations, and any other violation will be fines between MVR 30,000 and MVR 100,000
- Failure of pilgrims to attend Hajj pilgrimage due to misconduct or gross negligence of Hajj service providers will be subjected to fines between MVR 75,000 and MVR 500,000
Previously, under the regulations implemented back in 2019 for Hajj service providers, the maximum amount of fine subjected was MVR 100,000.
Under the regulations, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has created s new administrative office; Maldives Pilgrim Affairs Office that will be actively monitoring pilgrimage activities of various service providers.
Moreover, the new office is mandated with monitoring all aspects related to Hajj pilgrims, pilgrimage activities and the services provided by the companies.
