All citizens aged 70 and above who have been in the Hajj queue for three years will be given the opportunity to perform Hajj next year (1448 AH).

At a joint press conference held today by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Maldives Hajj Corporation, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that the decision was made to ensure that elderly individuals in the queue get the opportunity to perform Hajj as early as possible, making the best use of the Maldives' Hajj quota.

Detailing the implementation, Hajj Corporation Managing Director Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel explained that the three-year period is calculated for those who paid for Hajj by December 31, 2023. The 70-and-above age bracket applies to individuals who will turn 70 by December 31, 2026.

Under this new policy, 324 individuals aged 70 and above—including 86 individuals aged 75 and older—will be given the opportunity to perform Hajj next year, totaling approximately 410 people including helpers.

Firzul assured that this adjustment will not cause significant delays for individuals aged 65 to 69 who were previously estimated to travel next year. Provisions will also be maintained so that family accompaniment slots are not lost. All beneficiaries under this policy must be first-time pilgrims who have not previously performed Hajj.