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

In particular, in Tashkent district, a 42-year-old man promised a resident of the capital to organize a pilgrimage through his acquaintances for $1,100. 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 $1,000 and 1.2 million soums.

The second case was recorded in the Dangara district of Fergana region. A manager of a local travel company was detained while receiving $2,200. For this money, he promised to send two residents of Uchkuprik district on Umrah.

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

Recall that the Saudi Arabian authorities have changed the entry rules for pilgrims performing Umrah. Now foreigners can visit the kingdom several times during the year on a new Umrah visa.

Before each trip, pilgrims must now obtain a permit to perform Umrah through the Nusuk platform. There, they also need to pre-select a hotel, transport, and other travel-related services.

Source: podrobno.uz