The Government of the Maldives has decided to grant priority Hajj pilgrimage slots next year to all waitlisted senior citizens aged 70 and above who have been in the queue for at least three years. The decision was announced by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed during a press conference held at the ministry. Under this policy, 324 citizens aged 70 and older will be given the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage in the upcoming year.
In addition to these slots, the minister confirmed that 86 senior citizens aged 75 and above will be permitted to travel alongside designated companions, guaranteeing spots for a total of 410 individuals. Dr. Shaheem noted that the policy was introduced to address concerns that elderly citizens awaiting their turn might lose the opportunity to perform Hajj due to advancing age and health constraints, ensuring the nation’s quota is utilised effectively.
Under the eligibility framework set by the ministry, qualifying candidates must have completed their payments by December 31, 2023, and must reach 70 years of age by December 31, 2026. The ministry also stipulated that this special priority is strictly reserved for first-time pilgrims who have not previously performed Hajj.
Maldives Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Firzul stated that the policy will be implemented strictly based on age and queue registration dates, guaranteeing a fair and uniform process without discrimination. The corporation noted that prioritizing elderly citizens will clear the long-standing backlog and progressively shift the queue demographic toward younger age groups in future years.
While the ministry acknowledged that individuals under the age of 65 may face a delay of approximately one year, it assured that waitlisted pilgrims between 65 and 69 years of age will not experience any postponement. The Islamic Ministry underscored that the measure ensures the most just and optimal use of the Maldives’ Hajj quota while bringing renewed hope to hundreds of elderly citizens.