More than 170 pilgrims who went for Umrah unable to return to Uzbekistan

More than 170 Uzbek citizens who traveled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah have been unable to return home. This was reported by Dunyo.

According to the report, diplomats from the Consulate General visited hotels in Mecca to study the situation on the ground and speak with Uzbek citizens who had traveled for Umrah through certain private individuals and later found themselves in difficult circumstances.

According to the diplomats, more than 170 pilgrims are currently staying in hotels while waiting to return to Uzbekistan.

The pilgrims said they had arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of different groups on 14-day Umrah trips. However, due to false information and mistakes made by the individuals who organized the trips, they have so far been unable to return home.

During the discussions, the pilgrims spoke about their difficult situation and stressed that a large part of the group consists of elderly people. It was also noted that some of them had previously suffered heart attacks, while others have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure and require regular medication. The pilgrims appealed to the Uzbek government for practical assistance in returning home.

The pilgrims were informed that although they had arrived as part of trips organized without proper authorization, their requests to return to Uzbekistan would be forwarded by the Consulate General to the relevant authorities in accordance with the established procedure. At the same time, given that reviewing these appeals would take some time, they were advised, if possible, to purchase airline tickets at their own expense in order to avoid a further deterioration of the situation.

They were also told that, after returning to Uzbekistan, they could file complaints with the relevant authorities regarding the unlawful actions of those who had placed them in such difficult circumstances.

“At present, this situation has been placed under constant supervision by the Consulate General, and appropriate measures are being taken,” the report said.

Earlier, it was reported that a husband and wife in Jondor district of Bukhara region had been detained for allegedly attempting to fraudulently send people on Umrah trips.