Government Targets 50 Percent Reduction in Hajj Pilgrimage Costs Within Five Years

The government of the Maldives has unveiled a strategic initiative aimed at cutting the out-of-pocket expenses for citizens performing the Hajj pilgrimage by half over the next five years.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced that the administration is developing a comprehensive model to lower the fees levied by the Maldives Hajj Corporation. Under the proposed framework, the target is to ensure that citizens are required to pay only fifty percent of the current standard rate charged for the pilgrimage.

The cost reduction plan aligns with broader commitments made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to make religious obligations more financially accessible to Maldivians. To achieve the reduction without compromising service quality, the government plans to restructure and expand the commercial operations of the Maldives Hajj Corporation, boosting its revenue through targeted investments and improved institutional efficiency.

In addition to reducing fees, authorities are working to streamline pilgrimage management, shorten lengthy waitlists, and expand financial assistance programs, ensuring broader access to the annual pilgrimage for low-income families across the nation.