The Committee on Religious Affairs issued a warning regarding Hajj and Umrah trips

On social networks, unfounded information is being spread about the organization of Hajj worship and the process of sending pilgrims on the Hajj journey, including the form of accepting payments and the services provided.  However, it should be noted that oraganizing a Hajj event is not within the competence of travel companies or agencies, and attempting to do so is against the current legislation.  This was reported by the committee on Religous Affaris.

The organization of Hajj and Umrah events in Uzbekistan is carried out based on the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 7th June 2017, No. 364 “On measures to further improve the organization and conduct of Hajj and Umrah events.”  The members of the Public Council for the organization and holding of Hajj and Umrah events, which was established based on this document, have entrusted the organization of these holy prayers directly to the Committee on Religious Affairs and the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan.

To ensure the health and safety of pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah season, these organizations must enter into agreements with the relevant ministries in Saudi Arabia, including institutions serving pilgrims, hotels, transport, and food enterprieses.  These organisations are authorised to carry out the monitoring and reception of pilgrims from Uzbekistan, including their arrival, stay, and return to Saudi Arabia.

According to the Committee, the pilgrimage is carried out on the basis of agreements concluded between authorized organizations of different countries and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.  Attempting to perform a pilgrimage that is not organised based on these arguments does not provide the opportunity to pray in the valleys of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa, which are the most important pillars of this great deed.

Violating Hajj procedures in the territory of Saudi Arabia will result in action being taken, based on the legislation of that country.  Therefore, organizing the Hajj event is not the responsibility of travel companies or travel agencies, and attempting to do so is against the current legislation.