Travel agencies facing fines and investigations for unlicensed Umrah services

Appropriate measures have been taken against travel agencies involved in illegally organizing "Umrah" events during special events held in several regions. This was reported by the Committee for Religious Affairs.

The investigation revealed that "Xurmo Travel Umra" LLC (Saxiy Travel), based in Margilan, Fergana region, was found to be organizing "Umrah" events for citizens without the necessary license.

Additionally, individuals operating under the names "Anor Tour" in Denov, Surkhandarya region, and "Sokin Travel" in the Chilonzor district of Tashkent city were found to be organizing "Umrah" events without state registration.

As a result, the Committee initiated a case against "Xurmo Travel Umra" LLC (Saxiy Travel) for violating relevant articles of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures.” Following the review of the case, a fine of 200 times the minimum wage (75 million soums) was imposed.

The materials concerning "Anor Tour" and "Sokin Travel" have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further action.

It is important to note that providing services related to the organization and conduct of "Umrah" events without a license is prohibited for business entities.

On December 10, 2024, a similar incident occurred during a special event in Samarkand, where a travel agency employee was caught red-handed taking $3,600 from citizens and promising to send a person on the Umrah pilgrimage without the necessary license.