Tour agencies penalized for unauthorized pilgrimage services in Uzbekistan

A total of 31 tourism companies offering “Umra” pilgrimage services without proper licenses have been charged with fraud under Article 168 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, according to a statement from the Committee on Religious Affairs.

Over the past two months, inspections were conducted to prevent the illegal organization of “Haj” and “Umra” pilgrimages. As a result, criminal cases were initiated against the managers of these 31 companies for providing unauthorized services.

Additionally, inspections at 24 unlicensed companies were carried out under the “Law on Licensing, Permits, and Notifications.” Nineteen of these firms were fined 75 million soums each. Five firms were referred to the Competition Committee and law enforcement agencies for violating advertising laws.

By law, “Umra” pilgrimage services can only be offered by licensed entities. Moreover, sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for “Umra” without an official visa is strictly prohibited.

“Dear citizens, before planning an ‘Umra’ pilgrimage, we urge you to verify whether the tour company has an official ‘Umra license’ issued by the Committee on Religious Affairs. Be cautious of unlicensed agencies or tour agents! The committee encourages pilgrims to use reliable and authorized services to ensure a safe and dignified journey,” the statement emphasized.

According to Uzbekistan’s 2017 Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 364, “Haj” activities are exclusively organized by the Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umra and the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan. Other organizations are not permitted to operate in this field.

Similarly, “Umra” events are governed by the Cabinet of Ministers’ 2024 Resolution No. 668, and their organization is entrusted to the Haj-Umra Center under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and 12 authorized business entities.