- 4
- 02.09.2023 13:32:00
- 3 min read
As you know, the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated August 8, 2023 No. 345 "On additional measures to effectively protect the interests of pilgrims in the organization and conduct of Umrah events" was adopted.
These days, wrong interpretations based on personal views on some aspects of this decision are spreading on the pages of social networks.
In fact, on the basis of this decision, it is stated that the possibility of organizing and carrying out Umrah events is being created by the private sector in our country.
According to it, the following additional license requirements and conditions will be introduced for the activity of providing "Umra" services of the outbound tourism subtype of the tourist activity license:
Reserve funds of not less than 100,000 US dollars to the Safe Tourism Fund of the Tourism Committee;
Appointment of specialists with religious knowledge and skills on the basis of the contract concluded with the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan as the leader of the group of pilgrims during the Umrah services;
In the state of the tour operator providing "Umra" services, at least a graduate of a republican educational institution in the field of religious (Islamic) education or a relevant bachelor's degree or master's degree of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan having a specialist;
Not to provide "Umra" services to minors;
Implementation of "Umra" services in accordance with the contract to be signed between the partner organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From October 1, 2023, a rating system will be introduced for the performance of tour operators providing "Umra" services. The rating system is published on the special website of the Tourism Committee.
Additional license requirements and conditions specified in the decision will be applied from November 1, 2023.
At this point, it is necessary to pay attention to an important aspect: although the provision of "Umra" services to underage citizens is strictly prohibited in the decision, this aspect is not covered by various associations and authorities. Misinterpretation by individuals based on personal views is causing people to be misled.
In fact, according to the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 345 dated August 8, 2023, it is prohibited to provide Umrah services to minors.
In turn, we inform that it is not within the competence of various associations and individuals to interpret this decision and to introduce personal views to the public.
Committee on religious affairs
Information service
