Over 170 Uzbek pilgrims performing Umrah are currently stranded in the "Canary" and "Al-Ayam Elite" hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, awaiting return to their homeland. They arrived as part of 14-day trips organized by private intermediaries, but due to false information and mistakes by the organizers, they have been unable to return home, highlighting ongoing issues with unregulated pilgrimage services.

The pilgrims, many of whom are elderly, detailed their dire circumstances, including health problems such as past heart attacks, chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and a need for constant medication. This has exacerbated their plight, leading them to appeal for assistance from the Uzbek government, underscoring vulnerabilities in overseas citizen protection.

Diplomats from the Uzbek Consulate General visited the pilgrims, promising to forward their repatriation requests to relevant authorities. However, noting that processing would take time, they advised the pilgrims to purchase airline tickets at their own expense if possible to return sooner, placing additional financial strain on those already in distress. It was also explained that upon return, they could file complaints about the illegal actions of the organizers.

The situation is under constant monitoring by the Consulate, with measures being taken, but this incident raises concerns about the adequacy of oversight for private pilgrimage operators and the support mechanisms for citizens abroad during crises.

Source: kun.uz