The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed that only three out of the 19 companies fined for violating Umrah pilgrimage regulations have settled their dues. These fines were imposed on 14 January, following cases of significant misconduct, including the misuse of funds meant for pilgrims.
Among the violations investigated, one company was found to have falsely claimed to have facilitated pilgrimages but instead used the funds to purchase foreign currency.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, stated that the fined companies were given a 30-day period to pay the penalties. The Ministry has warned that it will publicly disclose the names of any companies that fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe.
The fines were introduced following an inquiry into Al-Hijra Travels and Tours, which came under scrutiny last December. The company admitted to failing to arrange return tickets for pilgrims despite collecting money for their trips, diverting the funds for other purposes instead. Al-Hijra Group was fined MVR 100,000, had its operating licence revoked, and was prohibited from conducting any future Umrah pilgrimages. Companies with shareholders involved in Al-Hijra were also barred from facilitating such trips. The case involving Al-Hijra Travels has been referred to the police for further investigation.
This is not the first time issues with Umrah pilgrimages have surfaced. During last year’s Ramadan, pilgrims were left stranded in Saudi Arabia due to the actions of Al-Mashar Tours. The Maldivian government had to step in and arrange for their return. Following a criminal investigation, the case against Al-Mashar Tours’ owner, Ali Farish, and the company has now been forwarded for prosecution.
