Askoi permit revoked due to Umrah trip negligence, actions taken

Due to Askoi Group taking money from Umrah-goers and then refusing their service, the agency has had their permit revoked, along with some major actions taken.

As per a statement released by the Islamic Ministry, an issue was raised concerning Askoi Travel Service whereby they had been given payment by customers who wanted to acquire their Umrah trip services but had later gone back on their word without refunding their clients. There were also complaints where attempts to contact the head of the Askoi Group to get their passports and important documents back from them were unsuccessful.

Askoi's latest Umrah trip was canceled last Thursday at the last minute, citing that it is currently unsafe around the Saudi region, with current situations within the Gulf not being in a calm state, according to their statement.

Islamic Ministry had sent official communications to the head of Askoi but had received no response. The company didn't respond to official letters either.

The statement from the ministry said that due to the company not adhering to the set guidelines for Umrah travel, action will be taken.

As per the official company registry, the owners of Askoi Travel Service Pvt Ltd are Abdullah Rasheed and Ahmed Sanil. A company by the name of Askoi Hajju Umrah Group has also been created.

Five actions will be taken against Askoi Group:

1. Umrah travel permit being revoked

2. Company to be fined

3. Companies that have shares in Askoi Group to also be denied providing Umrah services

4. Umrah payments to be reimbursed to customers

5. Issue to be brought to Police

This is the second time this year Askoi Group is seeing such an issue being brought up against them.

The first incident was when a family of six was denied the Umrah trip after they had made the necessary payments. The family had intended to go during Ramadan, specifically during the last 15 days of the holy month, along with the optional six days in the month of Shawwal.

The second incident was when 28 people were denied the Umrah trip after they had made the necessary payments as well. Each individual had paid MVR 25,500, totaling MVR 714,000.

The ministry has said it would take legal action against the companies that charge for Umrah yet do not take customers on their pilgrimage.