Some companies found taking people for Umrah trip illegally, Jail, heavy fine for violators

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 28: The Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs recorded five violations against Umrah expedition companies during the national holidays. These companies had organized more than 50 trips under the supervision of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs via Kuwait’s Salmi and Saudi’s Raqi land ports.

According to Article 9 of the Hajj and Umrah Expedition Operations Law, it is not permissible to operate or advertise a Hajj and Umrah campaign without a license from the concerned authorities. Anyone who violates this law will be subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year and/or a fine not exceeding KD 50,000. The Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, headed by the Director of the department Sattam Al-Muzain, conducted a field tour of the Kuwaiti Salmi port and the Saudi Al-Reqqei port to monitor these companies and arrest those who practice Umrah activity without licenses, as well as to ensure the extent of Umrah companies’ compliance with law No. 1/2015 regarding organizing Hajj and Umrah campaigns, and the executive regulations issued by ministerial resolution No. 51/2021. During the tour, some companies were monitored, and violations of law No. 1/2015 and executive regulations No. 51/2021 were proven.

The Judicial Control Officer and Head of the Licensing Department Dr. Muhammad Fahad Al- Shteiwi requested that these violations be recorded, and the most severe penalties be imposed on violators of the abovementioned law and regulations. According to article 7 of law No. 1/2015 regarding organizing Hajj and Umrah campaigns, if a violation is proven by the license holder, one of the following penalties will be imposed on him –
1. Warning.
2. Liquidating all or part of the value of the letter of guarantee provided by the licensee.
3. Refunding the amounts received from the Hajj or Umrah pilgrim in the event of failure in providing a specific service or negligence in it.
4. Suspension of the license for a period not exceeding three years 5. Permanent cancellation of the license. These penalties will be imposed by the schedule of violations and penalties that the Supreme Committee must issue immediately upon implementing this law. The person who is subjected to the penalty may file a grievance against it per the general rules established in this regard.
By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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