Uzbekistan introduces “mystery customer” method to combat illegal pilgrimage offers

The Committee for Religious Affairs of Uzbekistan will carry out undercover “mystery customer” operations to identify and stop illegal Umrah service providers. The measure, approved in a resolution on August 8, aims to protect consumer rights and curb unlicensed activity in the pilgrimage sector.

Under the initiative, committee staff will pose as clients to gather information from individuals or companies suspected of offering Umrah services without authorization. This will include verifying the presence of a valid license, the terms and cost of the service, and payment details.

The operations will be based on information from public complaints, data from government agencies, media and social networks, as well as the state “Risk Analysis” system, which flags entities with a medium or high risk of violations.

Officials will be permitted to use hidden audio or video recording devices during these checks. Following each operation, a report will be reviewed within five working days, and if violations are found, proposals will be made for inspections or referrals to law enforcement.

The Committee stressed that these “mystery customer” actions are not classified as inspections or interference in business activities and are not recorded in the Unified State Control system.

It is worth noting that earlier, it was announced that Uzbekistan’s new Umrah season will begin this August.