Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Tour companies organizing minor pilgrimages (Umrah) in Uzbekistan will be required to obtain a special license.

Corresponding amendments have been made to the law "On Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures." According to the amendments, organizing Umrah is defined as a separate type of licensed activity.

Violation of licensing rules carries a fine of 200 sizes of basic estimated value, currently amounting to 68 million soums.

Licenses will be issued by the Committee on Religious Affairs. Tour companies will be required to pay a fee of 10 sizes of basic estimated value, equivalent to 3.4 million soums, for obtaining the license.