Prosecutor General’s Office warns against illegal Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage schemes

The Prosecutor General's Office has issued a warning regarding fraudulent activities by certain business entities claiming to organize Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. These organizations have been misleading citizens and putting their safety at risk by taking them to Saudi Arabia without properly organizing the pilgrimage events. This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Criminal cases have been initiated against 40 individuals involved in such unlawful acts, and investigations are currently underway.

According to studies conducted by law enforcement agencies and the Committee for Religious Affairs, several legal entities and individuals have been illegally arranging Umrah trips without holding the required licenses.

Over the past five months, 26 business entities have been held accountable for operating without a license.

For reference, under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 364 dated June 7, 2017, Hajj pilgrimages are organized by the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, based on an agreement signed annually between the Committee for Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. Umrah pilgrimages, meanwhile, may only be conducted by the Muslim Board and other licensed entities. According to Resolution No. 668 dated October 12, 2024, the authority to organize Umrah is granted exclusively to business entities licensed by the Committee for Religious Affairs. Currently, there are 12 licensed entities operating in Uzbekistan.

Organizing Umrah without a license leads to administrative or criminal liability. Under Article 165 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, individuals engaged in unlicensed licensed activities may face fines ranging from 15 to 20 times the basic calculation amount, while officials may be fined 20 to 25 times the amount.

If unlicensed activity results in significant financial gain, it may lead to criminal prosecution under Article 190 of the Criminal Code, which covers engaging in activities requiring a license or permit without the necessary documentation.

Additionally, Article 52 of the Law “On Licensing, Permitting and Notification Procedures” stipulates that legal entities conducting such unauthorized activities may be fined up to 200 times the basic calculation amount.

Earlier, authorities uncovered that over 2,500 individuals were sent on Umrah pilgrimages by tour operators who lacked the necessary licenses and permissions.