Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan has temporarily suspended the license of the tour operator Hurmo Travel Umra, which organizes Umrah pilgrimage.

According to widespread information on social networks, during Panorama Airways flight delays, pilgrims were forced to remain at the airport, and tour operators created “inconvenience” for tourists.

In this regard, the license of the tour operator Hurmo Travel Umra was suspended for 10 days.

Four other travel companies were issued warnings. Among them are Fayz Tour Travel, Maryam Travel-agency, Mahbub Tour and Ramazan Travel Sayohat.

For tour operators involved in organizing Umrah, additional licensing requirements were established and a rating system was introduced to evaluate their activities.

In particular, tour operators must reserve at least US$100,000 in the Safe Tourism Fund.

During the performance of Umrah, appoint specialists with religious knowledge and skills as leaders of groups of pilgrims on the basis of an agreement concluded with the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

The staff of a tour operator providing Umrah services must have at least one specialist who is a graduate of a republican educational institution in the areas of religious (Islamic) education or with a bachelor's or master's degree from the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan;

It is prohibited to provide Umrah services to minors.

To conduct the pilgrimage, an appropriate agreement must be concluded with a partner organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Tourism Committee advises pilgrims to be careful when choosing tour operators, preferring those with a special license to avoid unpleasant situations.