MPs OK bill on organizing Hajj

KUWAIT, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- The National Assembly (Parliament), in its regular session on Thursday, gave the thumbs up for a bill on regulating Hajj (pilgrimage) and Umrah (minor pilgrimage) trips.
The bill stipulates that the higher committee for Hajj and Umrah should include representatives of the ministries of awqaf and Islamic affairs; interior; foreign affairs, Kuwait Municipality; and Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
It also details the roles and powers of the higher committee to monitor the travel agencies' abidance by laws and regulations to guarantee the success of the spiritual journeys.
The bill penalizes the unlicensed organizing of Hajj and Umrah trips with imprisonment for no more than one year and a fine of no less than KD 5,000 and no more than KS 50,000 or one of the two penalties. (end) sss.hrz.ibi