The first group of Maldivian pilgrims who took part in this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia is set to arrive home on Friday, June 13, marking the beginning of a staggered return process that will conclude on June 17.
According to the Maldives Hajj Mission, the 1,000 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the country’s official quota will return in four separate groups. The initial group is expected to land at Velana International Airport at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, followed by three additional groups on June 14, 16, and 17. The second and third groups will arrive via Maldivian, the national airline, while the first and final groups will fly in on Saudi Arabia’s national carrier.
As the nation prepares to welcome its returning pilgrims, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a public appeal urging caution. The agency recommends that families and the wider public avoid crowded receptions at the airport and refrain from organizing large homecoming gatherings—measures aimed at minimizing the risk of spreading infectious diseases.
“Historically, we’ve seen an uptick in respiratory illnesses and other infections following the Hajj season,” an HPA official said during a broadcast on state media. “We’re asking the public to exercise restraint and prioritize health, both for the returning pilgrims and the community at large.”
The HPA has advised people to avoid close contact with sick individuals, particularly children and the elderly, and to wear face masks around those showing symptoms. In addition, the agency recommends that those who attended Hajj—and anyone interacting closely with them—remain vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if unwell. Parents are also encouraged not to send symptomatic children to school during this two-week precautionary period.
Meanwhile, Maldivian pilgrims are currently in Medina, concluding the final spiritual leg of their journey following the completion of core Hajj rituals in Makkah.
On a global scale, over 1.67 million Muslims performed Hajj this year. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that more than 1.5 million of those were international pilgrims representing 171 countries. The remaining participants were Saudi nationals. A significant portion—over 1.4 million—benefited from the kingdom’s Makkah Route Initiative, a streamlined process introduced to facilitate easier pilgrim entry through select international airports.
As the Maldives prepares to receive its returning pilgrims, health officials stress the importance of balancing celebration with caution to ensure a safe reintegration and prevent potential outbreaks.
