Two cases of illegal organization of Umrah pilgrimages detected in Uzbekistan

Two cases of illegal organization of Umrah trips detected in Uzbekistan

Law enforcement agencies in the Tashkent and Fergana regions have uncovered new instances of illegal processing of trips to Saudi Arabia. The organizers offered citizens trips for Umrah without holding the necessary licenses and permits.

In the Tashkent district, a 42-year-old man promised a resident of the capital to organize a pilgrimage through his acquaintances for 1.1 thousand dollars. Officers of the State Security Service (SSS), the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained him red-handed while receiving 1 thousand dollars and 1.2 million soums.

The second case was recorded in the Dangara district of the Fergana region. A manager of a local travel agency was detained while receiving 2.2 thousand dollars. For this money, he promised to send two residents of the Uchkuprik district for Umrah.

Criminal cases have been initiated for both facts, and investigative actions are underway.

As a reminder, the authorities of Saudi Arabia have changed the entry rules for pilgrims performing Umrah. Now, foreigners will be able to visit the kingdom several times during the year under a new Umrah visa.

Before each trip, pilgrims are now required to obtain a permit to perform Umrah through the Nusuk platform. It is also required to select a hotel, transport, and other services related to the trip in advance on the platform.