Managing Director of the Hajj Corporation, Mohamed Shakeel, has emphasized the corporation’s success in restoring public trust, as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of people undertaking Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages over the past year. Shakeel made these remarks during a speech marking the first anniversary of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Shakeel acknowledged the public’s prior dissatisfaction with the handling of Hajj arrangements and affirmed that under the current administration, the Hajj Corporation has successfully regained public confidence. This renewed trust is reflected in the significant increase in the number of people paying for Hajj and Umrah services. Monthly payments for these services have surged from USD 582,147 to USD 2.3 million. Previously, 1,000 Hajj quotas were allocated between the Hajj Corporation and private companies. However, the public grew dissatisfied due to high prices and reports of fraudulent practices. In response to these concerns, President Muizzu made the decision to transfer the management of these quotas directly to the Hajj Corporation. The corporation, which has been burdened with a debt of USD 10.9 million accumulated over the past 11 years, is now focused on long-term growth and financial stability. Shakeel noted that while it will take time to resolve the debt, the corporation is actively working toward profitability. As part of its strategy to achieve this goal, the corporation has ventured into the real estate market, with the development of a residential building in Hulhumale’. The sale of these apartments is expected to significantly reduce the corporation’s outstanding debt. In addition to these initiatives, the Hajj Corporation has introduced a savings scheme for prospective pilgrims, enabling salary deductions to facilitate easier access to Hajj and Umrah services. The government is also addressing public concerns regarding the high cost of pilgrimage services. Efforts are currently underway to reduce the cost of Hajj to USD 3,234, making the pilgrimage more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the public.
