Over 4,000 Maldivians travelled to Saudi Arabia in December alone to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
Total 4,434 Maldivians are set to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in December. The first group travelled to Saudi Arabia on December 4.
The tour groups that have taken the greatest number of pilgrims include Dharuma Lil Hajji Wal Umrathi, Zam Zam Hajj and Umra, Yalamlam, and Al-Manasik.
The Maldivians who have performed the Umrah pilgrimage in December include a large number of youths.
Tour groups report facing a number of challenges due to the high volume of pilgrims, including delays in flights and visa approvals.
The last groups of Umrah pilgrims will depart for Saudi Arabia on December 31.