Islamic Ministry to Take Strict Action Against Violations in Umrah Travel Sector

The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced decisive measures against companies failing to comply with regulations for facilitating Umrah travel. In a recent social media statement, Dr. Shaheem underscored the significance of adherence to the gazetted rules to ensure the safety, reliability, and transparency of services provided to Maldivian pilgrims.

The Ministry has confirmed that companies breaching Rule 19 of the regulations or violating agreements with the Ministry will face serious repercussions. Such penalties include the revocation of permissions, substantial fines, and legal actions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

- Minor Offenses: Companies may be fined between MVR 1,000 and MVR 100,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.

- Major Violations: Fines for operating without permission or similar significant violations range from MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000.

- Criminal Cases: Cases deemed criminal in nature will be referred to the Maldives Police Service for investigation, while civil disputes will be handled by the Attorney General’s Office.

The Ministry introduced these measures following past complaints of malpractice, such as overcharging pilgrims and creating obstacles for their return journeys. These incidents prompted calls for stronger oversight and accountability in the Umrah travel sector.

To date, more than 50 companies have been authorized to arrange travel for Maldivian pilgrims, reflecting the increasing demand for such services. Thousands of Maldivians perform Umrah annually, particularly during school holidays and Ramadan. This December alone, over 5,000 pilgrims are expected to undertake the pilgrimage from the Maldives.

Dr. Shaheem reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Maldivian pilgrims, ensuring that companies operate within the legal framework to deliver fair and efficient services.