The Committee on Religious Affairs Issued a Warning Regarding Hajj

 The Committee on Religious Affairs, under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has issued a warning to the public regarding deceptive advertisements by various companies offering Hajj trips.  The committee's statement, published on the official page of the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan, urges people not to be swayed by these ads.

The report highlights the increasing number of advertisements on social media claiming things like "Join us for Hajj with this company!" or "Limited spots available for Hajj trips!" Some even promise to facilitate Hajj with visas meant for Umrah, tourism, or business purposes, which is strictly prohibited.

To perform Hajj in Saudi Arabia, a specific "Hajj-2023" visa is required.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established rules stating that a Hajj visa is the primary requirement for foreign citizens.  Any attempts to perform Hajj with other types of visas, such as Umrah, tourism, or business visas, are strictly forbidden and will be met with legal consequences.

The Committee emphasizes that the Hajj quota allocated to Uzbekistan is exclusively for pilgrims participating in the Hajj journey organised by the Committee on Relgious Affairs and the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan.  The public is warned against falling for deceptive individuals claiming they can arrange Hajj trips though Uzbekistan, as they are attempting to smuggle citizens through other countries.  Such actions lack legal basis and authority to organize Hajj, and strict measures will be taken according to the legislation of both Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

 It is reported that attempting illegal travel to Hajj will result in deportation from Saudi Arabia, a 10-year ban on entering the country with any visa, and a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately US$26,000).

In recent years, numerous Uzbek citizens who arrived in Saudi Arabia with tourist and business visas were unable to enter the Hajj prayer site "Mashoir."  Similarly, individuals with pilgrimage (tourist) visas arriving via the United Arab Emirates and Jordan were also denied entry.  A significant number of citizens were deported for violating the Kingdom's Hajj legislation, resulting in a 10-year ban.

The statement emphasizes that the organisation of the Hajj event falls under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet of Ministers, as stated in Decision No. 364 of the 7th of June 2017.  This responsibility does not lie with travel comanies or agencies.