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Maldivian Hajj pilgrims depart

Velana International Airport: May 26, 2025: The first group of 235 Hajj pilgrims from the Maldives has departed. This year, the Hajj Corporation is overseeing the pilgrimage for Maldivian pilgrims. The Maldives has been allocated a quota of 1,000 pilgrims for Hajj 2025. Maldives has been included in the "Mecca Route Initiative" this year. This initiative allows pilgrims to complete immigration procedures at their home country airports before departure. The final group of Maldivian pilgrims is scheduled to depart next Friday. -- Photos: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims bid farewell to their families at the departure terminal of Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims queue at the departure terminal of Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

A MACL staff and a Hajj Corporation representative assist one of the Hajj pilgrims at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims greet their families before departing at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims greet their families before departing at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims greet their families before departing at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

Hajj pilgrims take photos with their family at Velana International Airport before leaving -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa

The first group of Hajj pilgrims ready to depart at Velana International Airport -- Photo: Fayaz Moosa