The four local pilgrims who traveled to the holy land of Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage received Saudi visa through a written document guaranteeing a receiving Hajj group for the trouble struck Maldivians at Mecca.
Four Maldivians, two men aged 56 and 74 and a couple aged 37 and 39 traveled to Mecca for the pilgrimage through an individual who assured their trip itinerary and financing - they had traveled without a registered Hajj group that received permit through Maldivian government for 2017's pilgrimage transfer.
All four locals were trapped at airport without entrance to Saudi mainland upon arrival due to traveling without an identified Hajj group. However, they were released to the Maldivian embassy at Saudi upon producing Saudi visa for all four members. The Islamic Ministry is currently investigating the issuance of Saudi visa to the locals despite their transfer to Saudi Arabia without a representing Hajj group.
Meanwhile Avas Online has received fortified evidence of the letters which was presented to Saudi Arabian embassy requesting visa for the pilgrims. Avas Online were able to extract copies of the letters that were sent to the embassy.
The letters on behalf of the men aged 56 and 74 specified they will be received by pilgrimage agents upon arrival at Jeddah - adding other formalities would be overseen by the individual who managed their travel to Saudi Arabia.
Avas Online had received valid information through a solid source - under condition of anonymity - that the local pilgrims were repeatedly cautioned off over the problems that may arise from traveling without a registered Hajj ground representing them. However, their visas were issued after they had assured they will be received by a representative at Saudi.
The letter sent on behalf of the couple specified that registered Hajj company "Sisilfaru" will receive them upon arrival to Saudi. They had produced a letter with the group's stamp and the name and signature of the group's chief handler. The letter from the apparent "Sisilfaru" guaranteed complete receipt and management of the couple once they arrive for pilgrimage.
However, "Sisilfaru" had denied representing the couple once they arrived Saudi. Though they were denied of a representative, all four members who traveled without a Hajj group backing were provided lodging for one day at a Hotel booked under the mentioned group.
Sisilfaru has not been available for further commenting on the matter.
Letters produced by the individuals were written in Arabic while Islamic Ministry confirms that all four pilgrims had paid a total of MVR 70,000 each to an individual who had assured them of travel and transportation at Mecca to attend pilgrimage.
Reports have also confirmed the individual who took responsibility of the four pilgrims traveling and expenses is a revered Islamic scholar of Maldives. The unnamed Sheikh had provided them with the contact of an individual named Irshad from Sisilfaru Hajj Group, assuring them he would be available and at service upon arrival.
