The Islamic Affairs Ministry has launched an investigation into overcharging by some private companies that have been licensed to take pilgrims to Hajj this year.
The Maldives has given permission to the state-owned Hajj Corporation and three private companies to take people for Hajj this year. They are Sisilfar Hajj and Umrah Group, Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah and Almanasik Ltd. The government allocated 90 quotas to each private company out of the 1,000 quotas allocated to the Maldives this year and the rest to the Hajj Corporation.
An official of the Islamic Ministry said the ministry had received complaints that some private companies that have been given permission to take people for Hajj are charging MVR 150,000 per pilgrim. Action will be taken against the companies that have acted in violation of the rules, the official said.
Authorized companies and prices
Al Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company Maldives Pvt Ltd - MRV 75,250
Sisilfar Hajj and Umrah Pvt Ltd - MVR 75,465
Almanasik Pvt Ltd - MVR 75,000
Some people have been complaining on social media that private companies are charging more than the allowed amount. They allege that some of the licensed companies are charging over MVR 100,000 due to high demand from those interested in going on the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Islamic Affairs Ministry has already reminded that charging more than the permitted price or taking on more pilgrims than the allocated quota paying is prohibited under the rules on taking people for Hajj from the Maldives.
