Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 companies that provide services to Umrah pilgrims after inspections and performance reviews found irregularities and declining service standards.The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the upcoming Umrah season and reflects broader efforts to strengthen oversight, improve service quality and safeguard pilgrims’ rights.
Performance reviews trigger action
According to the ministry, the decision was taken following a comprehensive review conducted after the last Umrah season. The assessment revealed shortcomings in service delivery by some operators, as well as violations of Umrah service regulations.Of the suspended companies, 15 were punished for recording low performance scores based on approved assessment indicators. The remaining six companies were suspended for regulatory breaches requiring formal legal and corrective action.
Evaluation system focuses on quality
The ministry said its assessment framework relies on a set of operational and supervisory indicators designed to measure service quality and compliance with established regulations.Officials noted that the system aims to promote healthy competition among service providers, improve industry standards and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by ensuring a safe, efficient and high-quality experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Zero tolerance for service errors
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated its commitment to strict regulatory enforcement, stressing that deficiencies that negatively impact pilgrims or compromise the quality of services will not be tolerated.The ministry added that continuous monitoring and evaluation of service providers remains at the core of its strategy to develop the Umrah sector and improve the overall pilgrim experience.
Wider regulatory push
This follows an enforcement measure taken by Saudi authorities in February when they suspended the contracts of some 1,800 foreign travel agencies operating in the Umrah industry.At the time, the ministry said affected agencies had a 10-day grace period to address deficiencies discovered during regular assessments of performance and service quality. The suspension is limited to the issuance of new visas and the contract becomes eligible for reactivation once compliance requirements are met.The ministry said the measures are part of an ongoing regulatory approach aimed at strengthening accountability, improving service standards and ensuring pilgrims receive the service levels expected under the Kingdom’s evolving Umrah framework.
