The government of Uzbekistan has introduced new requirements for Umrah - changes
The government of Uzbekistan adopted a decision aimed at strengthening the requirements for the organization and conduct of the Umrah. According to him, the entrepreneurs engaged in this activity were required not to provide services to minors, to reserve 1 million US dollars for the "Ziyarat" fund, and not to carry out their activities through tour operators and travel agents.
On October 12, the Government of Uzbekistan adopted a decision on the further improvement of measures related to the organization and conduct of Umrah events by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 668. This was reported by the information service of the Committee on Religious Affairs.
It is noted that the purpose of this decision is to determine the requirements for obtaining a license for the organization and conduct of Umrah events, to create conditions for the pilgrims to perform their actions properly and safely, to protect their rights and legal interests, as well as to ensure the use of quality and guaranteed services. .
With the document, it was determined that the license for the organization and conducting of Umrah activities will be considered an individual type of license, and the issuance of licenses will be carried out by the Committee on Religious Affairs on the basis of competition from October 2024.
The following license terms and conditions are being implemented:
z to appoint a specialist with religious knowledge and skills as a group leader for pilgrims based on a contract concluded with the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan;
the presence of at least one specialist who is a graduate of an educational institution in the field of religious education or the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan in the state;
not providing services to minor citizens;
Reserve 1 million US dollars for the "Ziyarat" fund;
not to carry out their activities through tour operators and travel agents;
Issuance of only "Umra" visa of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for pilgrims . In this case, transporting citizens with a visa other than the "Umra" visa is an illegal activity;
Implementation of "Umra" services in accordance with the contract to be signed between the partner organization in Saudi Arabia and payment for the services provided by them through banking institutions;
creating the necessary conditions for pilgrims to perform Umrah and providing quality Umrah services, as well as organizing timely medical services for pilgrims in the cities of Mecca and Medina of Saudi Arabia;
to cooperate with airlines that have at least 2 years of experience in passenger and cargo transportation on international routes and have not violated the international and national legislative requirements of passenger transportation during this period, as well as purchase round-trip air tickets for pilgrims before sending them;
accommodation of pilgrims in hotels with a category of no less than 3 stars;
Not to provide "Umra" service through third countries;
Not to perform Umrah service through a representative office and branch located in a place other than the address specified in the license;
Also, the amount of fines imposed on legal entities for violations in the field of obtaining a license for organizing and holding Umrah events is set at 200 times the BHM (75 million soums).
The religious committee warned against the prohibition of providing services related to the organization and holding of Umrah events by unlicensed business entities.
Also, the Committee on Religious Affairs advised the citizens to use reliable and guaranteed services in order to be aware of our pilgrims in order to properly and safely perform Umrah and not to fall into various unpleasant situations later.
