In a landmark move, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that every individual listed in the Maldives Hajj Corporation’s 2025 Hajj queue will be given the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage this year—marking the first time in years that the entire registered list will be accommodated within a single season.
The Ministry stated that full details regarding this year’s Hajj quota will be officially disclosed on May 26, including how the quota is allocated and utilized. The announcement comes following a commitment made earlier by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who had pledged that no one registered for this year’s Hajj via the Maldives Hajj Corporation would be left behind.
“This is a historic moment for Maldivian pilgrims. For the first time in many years, we are able to ensure that every person on the Hajj queue will be able to travel to Makkah this year,” said President Muizzu during a previous public address.
As part of broader reforms, President Muizzu also announced that starting next year, priority for Hajj slots will be given to individuals who have never performed the pilgrimage—a move aimed at promoting equal religious opportunity and ensuring a fairer system of allocation. The Maldives Hajj Corporation has confirmed the new regulation will take effect in the 2026 Hajj season.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Maldives Hajj Corporation are ramping up efforts to improve the overall experience for pilgrims. One of the major enhancements this year is the country’s inclusion in the Makkah Route Initiative—a fast-track program launched by Saudi Arabia to streamline immigration and customs procedures for pilgrims before they depart for the Kingdom.
The Maldives’ participation in the initiative is being widely celebrated as a milestone achievement for the country, made possible under President Muizzu’s administration. The program is expected to significantly ease the travel process, reduce waiting times upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, and offer a more dignified and comfortable experience for pilgrims.
Officials from both the Ministry and the Hajj Corporation have reiterated their commitment to ensuring high standards of service, emphasizing that this year’s operational improvements are just the beginning of long-term efforts to enhance religious travel for Maldivians.
With this unprecedented accommodation of all queued pilgrims, and the streamlining of services under the Makkah Route Initiative, the 2025 Hajj season is shaping up to be a turning point in how the Maldives facilitates one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.
