Minister Shaheem Warns Umrah Tour Operators of Severe Penalties for Violations

Strict penalties will be enforced against Umrah travel companies that violate the set rules and regulations governing Umrah tours, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has warned. This warning follows the ministry’s recent launch of a service earlier this year that permits companies to apply for Umrah tour licenses year-round.

Action would be taken against companies that breach the regulations published in the Government Gazette, Minister Shaheem said in a social media post, adding that action will also be taken against companies that breach their licensing agreements with the ministry. This includes companies failing to adhere to the agreement terms or other governing rules, he said.

Citing instances of regulatory breaches, Minister Shaheem highlighted that penalties would be enforced on companies violating Section 19 of the Umrah tour regulations. The ministry would take all necessary measures to protect the rights of Umrah pilgrims, he affirmed.

These warnings follow past incidents involving Umrah tour operators who defrauded pilgrims, including the misappropriation of funds paid for organising the pilgrimage. The ministry reported cases where companies charged additional fees and caused delays and difficulties for pilgrims returning home from Saudi Arabia.

According to the agreement with Umrah tour operators, the ministry can impose fines ranging from approximately USD 64 to USD 6,485 for violations, depending on their severity. Unauthorised companies arranging Umrah pilgrimages can face fines between USD 6,485 and USD 32,428.

The ministry also retains the authority to cancel the licenses of violators. In instances involving criminal activities such as fraud, the ministry is authorised to request an investigation by the Maldives Police Service (MPS). Civil offences may be referred to the Attorney General’s Office.

At present, the ministry has issued licenses to 50 Umrah tour operators. Statistical data show an increasing number of pilgrims embarking on the Umrah pilgrimage, especially during school holidays and the holy month of Ramadan. This December alone, over 5,000 pilgrims from the Maldives have journeyed to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.