Comment issued on Uzbek citizens unable to return from Umrah

Earlier, it was reported that more than 170 Uzbek citizens who had traveled for Umrah were unable to return home. The Committee on Religious Affairs has now commented on the situation.

According to the committee, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Jeddah was approached by Uzbek citizens who had remained in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Preliminary information shows that the citizens had traveled privately using the services of individuals who were not authorized to organize and conduct Umrah trips. As a result, a number of organizational and financial problems arose, causing delays in their return to Uzbekistan within the scheduled timeframe.

It was also noted that, because payments had not been made on time, the hotel administration raised the issue of evicting the citizens. At present, the citizens remain accommodated in hotels, and their situation is under constant supervision.

Diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan in Saudi Arabia are currently studying the situation on the ground and taking practical measures to arrange the citizens’ return.

“The Committee on Religious Affairs recommends that our pilgrims use the services of reliable business entities holding guaranteed licenses so that they can perform Umrah properly and safely and avoid unpleasant situations in the future,” the statement said.

For reference, fines for legal entities that violate regulations in the field of licensing activities related to organizing and conducting Umrah are set at 200 times the base calculation amount, or 82.4 million soums.

Earlier, it was also reported that a married couple accused of fraud for allegedly promising to send people on Umrah had been detained in Jondor district of Bukhara region.