Saudi Arabia has made the Makkah Route Initiative a permanent service for Maldivian Hajj pilgrims, following the successful implementation of its pilot phase last year.

The decision was confirmed during a meeting between Maldives’ Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and members of the Supervisory Committee of the Makkah Route Initiative, held in Saudi Arabia as part of Dr Shaheem’s official visit.

According to the Maldives Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Saudi authorities commended the strong cooperation extended by the Maldivian government under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as well as by national institutions such as Maldives Airports Company Limited, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Hajj Corporation, and Aviation Security Command.

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aviation Authority, Immigration, and Ministry of Interior were present at the meeting.

The Islamic Ministry noted that the permanent inclusion of the Maldives in the initiative will greatly streamline the pilgrimage experience for Maldivians.

On behalf of President Muizzu, the Maldivian government, and the people of the Maldives, Dr Shaheem expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their continued support and for extending the service to Maldivians on a permanent basis.

Maldives was originally included in the Makkah Route Initiative under a special directive from King Salman, with the country exempted from all standard conditions and formalities. Dr Shaheem described this as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance Hajj services under President Muizzu’s leadership.

Through the initiative, Maldivian pilgrims will be able to complete all entry procedures to Saudi Arabia before departure.

Services include biometric data collection, issuance of electronic Hajj visas, health screening, and luggage registration, as well as boarding pass issuance at Velana International Airport (VIA). Once in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims can proceed directly to their hotels as luggage will be transferred automatically from the airport.

Launched in 2018 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Makkah Route Initiative aims to improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims worldwide by streamlining pre-departure and arrival procedures.

It is jointly overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Interior, under the supervision of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.