130 Maldivian Pilgrims Uncertain of Return

About 130 Maldivian pilgrims risk being stranded in Mecca after tour operator Al Mash'aru Hajj and Umrah Group failed to pay for their return flight. The operator issued two cheques totaling US$247,450 to Travel 2 Maldives for outbound and inbound flights, but both bounced due to insufficient funds. Travel 2 Maldives refuses to facilitate the return flight until payment is settled. Over 200 pilgrims made arrangements through Al Mash'aru this Ramadan; 138 booked through Travel 2 Maldives. Managing Director Ali Farish claims cheques were issued as guarantee and requested prior notice before cashing. Travel 2 Maldives says they extended payment deadlines multiple times. Eight pilgrims returned home Tuesday morning; 130 remain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs asked for a written explanation but received no response.

About 130 Maldivian pilgrims risk being stranded in Mecca after tour operator Al Mash'aru Hajj and Umrah Group failed to pay for their return flight. The operator issued two cheques totaling US$247,450 to Travel 2 Maldives for outbound and inbound flights, but both bounced due to insufficient funds. Travel 2 Maldives refuses to facilitate the return flight until payment is settled. Over 200 pilgrims made arrangements through Al Mash'aru this Ramadan; 138 booked through Travel 2 Maldives. Managing Director Ali Farish claims cheques were issued as guarantee and requested prior notice before cashing. Travel 2 Maldives says they extended payment deadlines multiple times. Eight pilgrims returned home Tuesday morning; 130 remain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs asked for a written explanation but received no response.

About 130 Maldivian pilgrims risk being stranded in Mecca after tour operator Al Mash'aru Hajj and Umrah Group failed to pay for their return flight. The operator issued two cheques totaling US$247,450 to Travel 2 Maldives for outbound and inbound flights, but both bounced due to insufficient funds. Travel 2 Maldives refuses to facilitate the return flight until payment is settled. Over 200 pilgrims made arrangements through Al Mash'aru this Ramadan; 138 booked through Travel 2 Maldives. Managing Director Ali Farish claims cheques were issued as guarantee and requested prior notice before cashing. Travel 2 Maldives says they extended payment deadlines multiple times. Eight pilgrims returned home Tuesday morning; 130 remain. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs asked for a written explanation but received no response.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of tour operator / financial dispute.