The Competition Committee has fined 15 travel companies for advertising Umrah services without the necessary license, as reported by the agency's press service.

Offices of the agency in Andijan, Namangan, Samarkand, and Khorezm regions identified violations by 10 companies: Al-Azhar Travel, Atlas Avia Tour, Diyor Tour, Hiro Travel, Maknoon Travel, Marmara Travel Namangan, Meroj Travel, Profi-Travel, Sultan Travel 2022, and Ideal Travel. Financial penalties were imposed on them.

In the Namangan and Fergana regions, five more tour operators were held administratively accountable. Violations were found in the companies Fargona Tour 2022, Safo Marva, Umra Ziyorati Agentligi, Ziyoratul Umra, and in the Telegram channel Buvaydaliklar Hayoti.

To clarify information about more than 10 informational resources distributing advertisements without a license, a request was sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Cybersecurity Center. Following the inspection, "appropriate measures" will be taken.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a list of companies authorized to conduct Umrah in November 2024. It includes six firms from Tashkent, three from Namangan, and one each from Andijan, Margilan, and Urgench.

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According to the new rules, pilgrimage organizers must contribute $1 million to the "Ziyorat" fund and provide an agreement with a partner organization in Saudi Arabia. They are responsible for providing medical assistance to pilgrims, ensuring their meals, accommodation in hotels, etc.

In December, the Competition Committee fined the tour operator Urganch Maftun Avia Travel for advertising Hajj and Umrah without a license. In January, the Committee for Religious Affairs imposed fines on Zaytun Turizm and Xurmo Travel Umra for similar violations.

Earlier, Spot reported that the Texnomart store chain was fined for advertising "best" prices on smartphones.