The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued a caution to prospective pilgrims planning to fulfil Umrah to not make payments to Al Mash-ar Hajj Umrah and Vadi Hajj and Umrah groups.
The statement informs that these two companies were taking bookings and payments for the pilgrimage without having obtained the necessary authorizations from the ministry.
The Ministry appealed to the public to confirm whether companies are on the approved list of Umrah groups - viewable on the ministry's website - before making any payments.
"As this is against the regulations, we caution the public to not make payments to such companies with the intention of fulfilling Umrah."
As per the regulations governing the organization of Umrah trips, a company is granted authorization to offer the services for two consecutive years.
It is not permissible for companies to plan Umrah trips outside of the approved dates, or to take advance payments for such trips.
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