In a landmark development for Maldivian pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the inclusion of the Maldives in its prestigious Makkah Route Initiative for the Hajj pilgrimage of 1446 AH.
The Makkah Route Initiative allows pilgrims to complete all Saudi immigration procedures at their departure airport, enabling a smoother and more efficient travel experience. With this system in place, Maldivian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Cities will bypass lengthy immigration processes at Saudi airports, proceed directly to their hotels, and receive their luggage at their accommodations.
Previously available only to nations with the largest number of pilgrims—such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan—this is the first time the Maldives has been included, marking a historic milestone and symbolizing the deepening brotherly ties between the two nations.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed expressed his profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this generous gesture. He also extended appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Interior Minister His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud.
Dr. Shaheem also thanked the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Maldives and the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for their continuous support and cooperation in making this initiative a reality.
"This is a significant convenience for our pilgrims and a reflection of the growing bonds of Islamic brotherhood between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia," said the Minister.
Streamlined Services for Maldivian Pilgrims
Under the initiative, pilgrims departing from Velana International Airport will benefit from:
Pre-departure processing: Biometric data collection, issuance of electronic Hajj visas, health and security clearances.
Check-in convenience: Immediate issuance of boarding passes and tagging of luggage at a designated terminal.
On-site immigration clearance: Completion of Saudi entry procedures by a dedicated Saudi passport control team at the Maldives airport, allowing direct access to the boarding gate.
Arrival efficiency: Direct airport-to-hotel transfers upon landing in Saudi Arabia.
Hassle-free baggage delivery: Pilgrims' luggage will be transported directly to their hotels, eliminating wait times at arrival terminals.
Part of Saudi Vision 2030
The Makkah Route Initiative was launched in 2018 under the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It aims to modernize and enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience for pilgrims worldwide. The inclusion of the Maldives follows a formal request submitted two months ago by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in consultation with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
The Ministry continues to work under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to improve services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and strengthen Maldives–Saudi Arabia cooperation in religious affairs.
