New requirements for Umrah license were announced

On October 9, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers issued Resolution No. 300, "On Further Improvement of Measures Related to the Organization and Conduct of Umrah Events," as reported by the "Zamon" information program.

Under Law No. 935, adopted on July 2, 2024, the Committee on Religious Affairs was designated as the competent authority for issuing Umrah service licenses starting from October 5. Cabinet Resolution No. 300 outlines the licensing terms set by the Religious Affairs Committee. The key requirements and conditions for the license include:

- Reserving $1 million for the "Pilgrimage Fund."
- Appointing a group leader with religious knowledge and skills, based on a contract with the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan.
- Ensuring the presence of a specialist with Islamic education within the tour company.
- Prohibiting services to minors.
- Prohibiting operations through tour operators and travel agents.
- Ensuring pilgrims travel with the appropriate Umrah visa, not any other type of visa for Saudi Arabia.
- Conducting Umrah services as per the contract with a partner organization in Saudi Arabia and processing payments through banking institutions.
- Providing high-quality services to pilgrims, including timely medical care.
- Partnering with an airline that has at least two years of international experience and no violations of international or national regulations during that time.
- Purchasing round-trip tickets for pilgrims before their departure.
- Accommodating pilgrims in hotels with a minimum of three stars.
- Prohibiting Umrah services through third countries.
- Ensuring services are only provided at the location specified in the license, without operating through other branches or offices.

Violations of these requirements by legal entities will result in fines amounting to 200 times the BHM (approximately 75 million sums).