Islamic Minister Proposes Strict Regulations to Protect Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims

The Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has announced plans to introduce specialized regulations to govern Hajj and Umrah service providers in the Maldives. The move aims to protect citizens from financial loss and ensure the reliable delivery of pilgrimage services. Speaking during a session of the Majlis (the Maldivian Parliament), Minister Shaheem emphasized that the current guidelines are insufficient. He highlighted a recurring and distressing trend where residents pay full fees for Umrah packages but are ultimately unable to travel due to service provider failures. These incidents have seen an increase throughout 2025 and 2026, leaving many pilgrims stranded and financially disadvantaged. The proposed regulatory framework will clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of both the Maldives Hajj Corporation and private operators. By establishing a legal baseline for service delivery, the government intends to implement stricter penalties for companies that fail to fulfill their contractual obligations to pilgrims. Minister Shaheem noted that similar legislative frameworks are already operational in other nations, providing a blueprint for minimizing failures and increasing accountability. He stressed that the initiative is fundamentally about safeguarding the financial rights and emotional well-being of the people. “This is about people’s finances, conditions, and rights. There must be legislation,” the Minister stated, adding that he will work toward the implementation of these rules in the near future. He called upon Members of Parliament to support the legislation to ensure a just and transparent solution for all parties involved. While Hajj and Umrah services are currently managed under general guidelines, the rise in the number of private companies offering pilgrimage packages has created a need for more robust oversight. The Minister believes that dedicated legislation will restore public trust and provide the necessary legal recourse for clients who are defrauded or underserved by private agencies.