Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the first three years of the free Hajj program announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu would be facilitated for poor or low-income citizens aged between 50 and 69.
The ministry stated that it would follow a standard procedure in selecting poor or low-income citizens from their respective national registry. The cabinet has already held discussions regarding the program.
The ministry revealed that as per discussions, the government would be facilitating the Hajj program for elderly citizens below the age of 70 provided they are in stable health conditions capable of traveling. The government would send senior citizens aged between 50 and 69 in the first three years while the age bracket would be expanded in the following two years for citizens between 49 and 69.
Additionally, the government will cover the expenses for pilgrims’ domestic travels and accommodation in Malé City before their embarkation to Saudi Arabia.
The cabinet decided to direct the Zakat Fund for the expenditure of sending 50 senior citizens for Hajj in 2023. In the coming years, the state will make allocations in the state budget, and sponsors from various parties will be involved in supporting the initiative.
The participants of the free Hajj program by the state would be selected from the national registry of poor or low-income citizens.
Speaking about the government’s decision to select citizens from the Zakat-applicable registry, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed mentioned that the state believes those listed in the Zakat registry would be eligible for the free Hajj program as well.
At the moment, a total of 6,000 locals are listed in the poor or low-income citizens registry. Dr. Shaheem said that a draw would be conducted to select the individuals eligible for each year’s free Hajj program.
The minister further emphasized that the government was seeking methods to make the program a long-term and sustainable initiative.
Source: Malviesdaily
