Delay in announcing new Umrah licensing requirements causes uncertainty for service providers

According to a representative from the committee, a draft resolution outlining the new licensing conditions has been submitted to the government for approval, and it is expected to be signed within the next couple of days.

The law, passed on July 2, 2024, designates the Committee on Religious Affairs as the authorized body to issue licenses for companies offering Umrah services. Under this new regulation, all travel agencies providing Umrah services will need to secure a new license from the committee as of October 5, when the law officially comes into force.

Despite the looming deadline, no details regarding the new licensing conditions have been disclosed. Yahyo Hayitaliyev, the head specialist of the committee’s press service, told Kun.uz that the delay in the announcement is due to the government's decision-making process, and the resolution should be finalized soon.

"The matter is no longer in our hands; we are waiting for the government’s decision. It is expected to be issued in one or two days," Hayitaliyev stated, without elaborating on the specific requirements included in the draft resolution.

Earlier rumors circulated on social media suggesting that the conditions for obtaining an Umrah license might become more stringent, including an increase in the mandatory security deposit amount for the companies.