The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments must get permission before operators in the United Arab Emirates can accept requests or applications for the Haj or Umrah, the General Authority said on Monday.
This occurred as the government levied steep fines for abusing pilgrimage services. In the event that they break the legislation, individuals, offices, and campaign organizers might face fines of up to Dh 50,000.
Before planning or publicizing Haj or Umrah journeys, operators must receive permission from the relevant authorities. Furthermore, without permission, it is illegal to solicit or accept funds for the journey.
The new regulations intend to control the way the Islamic pilgrimage is organized, including the licensing process and the penalties for infractions.
Avoid Being Duped
The country’s licensed operators have applauded the new regulations, emphasizing that the heavy fee will discourage illicit activity. The managing director of Al Yarmook Hajj, Umrah, and travel, Kabeer Master, claims that during the Hajj, many people attempt to enter Makkah illegally. According to him, “some people obtain multiple entry visas and then enter the country illegally through roads.” “That will be discouraged by the new laws. If someone is trying to complete the Hajj, they should do it legally.
On social media, some unlicensed companies promote Umrah visas at extremely low prices. Residents have been cautioned by agents not to fall for it. “A large number of these operators are not authorized and are in violation of the law,” stated Noushad Hassan, the managing director of Alhind Business Center. After obtaining business visas, they arrange flights or rent buses with international permissions, which they then advertise as Umrah packages. These dishonest agents will be subject to stricter regulations.
He also exhorted locals to confirm the legitimacy of the travel agents they choose to undertake the Haj or Umrah with. “There are only ten licensed operators here for Haj,” he stated. Furthermore, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the agency before obtaining Umrah permits. With Saudi Arabia’s multiple entry visas, it is now simpler for people to go on their own for Umrah without using a travel agency.
Haj
One of the five pillars of Islam is Haj, which has been performed annually since the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace is upon him). If they are financially and physically capable of doing so, it is mandatory for every Muslim to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Many pilgrims wait years to obtain a permission, which is issued by Saudi authorities based on quotas, or spend their entire lives saving money for the trip. All pilgrimages can choose from a variety of packages, and charitable organizations can help those in need.
The celebration of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha, falls on the last few days of the Hajj. Muslims across rejoice on this auspicious anniversary, which honors Ibrahim’s trial of faith. Muslims slaughter livestock and give meat to the underprivileged during the three-day Eid celebration. By using an automated lottery to choose pilgrims, the perfect conditions are created for them to make the trip quickly, conveniently, and safely.
