The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the distress of pilgrims who were stranded due to technical glitches in flight arrangements and the lack of necessary expertise among private tourist companies that organized the trips.
As of February 4, 2024, a number of these pilgrims have been successfully repatriated to Uzbekistan, and efforts are underway to ensure the prompt return of the remaining citizens. The Uzbekistan Embassy in Riyadh and the General Consulate in Jeddah are closely monitoring the situation, providing consular, legal, and other necessary assistance to the compatriots.
In collaboration with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport and other relevant agencies, a schedule for additional flights has been established to expedite the repatriation process.
The Consulate General urges citizens to abide by the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia while the situation is being resolved.