Authorities explained why the cost of Hajj and Umrah is so high

On August 1, the Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs, Regulation of National Traditions, Celebrations, and Rituals of the Republic, Sulaymon Davlatzoda, stated that the cost of Hajj (mandatory pilgrimage) and Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Tajikistan is not too high.

During a press conference, Davlatzoda mentioned that the situation with high prices has arisen due to the high cost of airline tickets.

According to him, in Tajikistan, two accredited companies handle the organization of Hajj and Umrah, offering both budget and VIP services, which is why the cost of Hajj in Tajikistan differs from that in other countries.

However, citizens who went to perform Umrah and used the services of these companies, which are owned by relatives of the president, did not see VIP services or five-star hotels in exchange for the high cost of the package, despite the high prices.

Eyewitnesses say that despite the high cost of Hajj and Umrah, the service for pilgrims is organized at a low level, and hotels are always located far from the pilgrimage sites, as they are much cheaper.

According to Sulaymonzoda, this year more than 4,500 citizens performed Hajj, with 4 pilgrims passing away during the pilgrimage and being buried in Saudi Arabia.

According to official data, the cost of Hajj this year for each pilgrim was 59,000 somoni. However, pilgrims complained to Azda TV that in addition to the official 59,000 somoni, officials are demanding additional payments that are not registered anywhere.

“For example, starting from the village jamoat administration to the district and regional administration, authorities, under the pretext of improvement works, demand money from everyone who wishes to perform Hajj, and these payments are not registered anywhere,” said a pilgrim from Tajikistan.