Umrah Pilgrimage Operators Face Monopoly Concerns and $1M Reserve Fund Requirement
The Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs, Sodiqjon Toshboyev, has addressed concerns surrounding the new $1 million licensing requirement for Umrah tour operators. Toshboyev emphasized that the amount is necessary to cover potential costs for stranded pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Speaking at an international conference in Tashkent on October 15, Toshboyev responded to questions regarding the updated licensing conditions for Umrah service providers.
“We are not monopolizing the market. We will announce a tender and select all tour operators who meet the requirements and have the necessary capabilities,” said Toshboyev. He explained that the $1 million guarantee is meant to cover the expenses of up to 1,000 pilgrims who may face unforeseen issues in Saudi Arabia. This measure is derived from past experiences where approximately 15,000 Uzbek pilgrims were stranded, and the previous $100,000 guarantee proved insufficient to bring them back.
Toshboyev dismissed the idea that only one firm would be selected to handle Umrah services after meeting the new financial requirement, clarifying that multiple qualified tour operators would be chosen. He assured that there would be no price hikes and that the focus is on providing better-quality services.
Regarding concerns that the $1 million requirement might lead to price increases for Umrah packages, Toshboyev acknowledged that there may be attempts to do so. However, he noted that in the past, many firms operated without proper licenses, emphasizing the importance of quality services for citizens, including medical care and reliable guidance during Umrah.
Toshboyev also highlighted that citizens can still obtain visas independently and perform Umrah without restrictions. He mentioned the Nusuk program from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which allows citizens to apply for visas online from their homes and travel through various routes.
Furthermore, Toshboyev addressed concerns about the ideological influence on Uzbek pilgrims and stated that the committee is working to ensure that trained religious officials accompany citizens to provide proper guidance and support during their pilgrimage. The focus remains on facilitating a smooth and enriching Umrah experience for all citizens.
