The Mauritian government has officially requested an increase in the country’s Hajj visa quota from 1,500 to 2,500 pilgrims, aiming to accommodate more residents undertaking the pilgrimage.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting on Monday 14 September 2026, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis, between Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, who is on an official visit to Mauritius.
During the talks, the two leaders also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s USD 6 million donation to support Mauritian mosques. An agreement to formalize this contribution is expected to be signed soon, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Minister Al-Rabiah also met with Mauritian Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr. Shakeel Mohamed, at his Ébène office, before visiting the Islamic Cultural Centre. Several ministers and officials, including Ministers Reza Uteem, Aadil Ameer Meea, Mahendra Gondeea, and others, attended the event, underscoring the significance of the visit.
Minister Mohamed highlighted the longstanding ties between Mauritius and Saudi Arabia, recalling recent aid worth approximately USD 240 million. He announced that a new online Hajj registration portal is being finalized to streamline application procedures and improve management of pilgrimage arrangements.
Additionally, Mauritius will participate in the upcoming sixth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah this November, reflecting ongoing cooperation and shared commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Mauritian Muslims.