Ministry warns against unlicensed Umrah agencies

Islamic ministry on Tuesday threatened to take action against unlicensed agencies taking Umrah pilgrims to Mecca.

In a statement, the ministry said it has come to their notice that several unlicensed agencies are taking Umrah pilgrims to Mecca.

According to the ministry, as per the rules governing Umrah services, no party is allowed to take Umrah pilgrims without the ministry's permission.

The ministry said the licence is issued for two years. 

Charging an advance from people for Umrah without a licence or after the expiry of the two-year licence is a violation of the rules, it added.

The ministry appealed people to not make payments to unlicensed Umrah agencies.

"Individuals are responsible for the consequences of such actions," the statement said.

The list of agencies that have been allowed to provide Umrah has been posted on the ministry's website.