The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 21 companies providing services to Umrah pilgrims after inspections and performance reviews revealed regulatory violations and a decline in service standards.This step comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s preparations for the upcoming Umrah season and reflects its broader efforts to enhance oversight, improve the quality of service, and protect the rights of pilgrims.
Performance reviews lead to action
According to the ministry, the decision came after comprehensive assessments conducted after the previous Umrah season. The assessments revealed deficiencies in service provision among many operators, along with violations of regulations governing Umrah services.Among the suspended companies, 15 companies were penalized for recording low performance scores based on the approved evaluation indicators. The remaining six companies were suspended for regulatory violations requiring formal legal and corrective action.
The evaluation system focuses on quality
The ministry said its evaluation framework is based on a set of operational and supervisory indicators designed to measure service quality and compliance with applicable regulations.
Officials indicated that the system aims to promote healthy competition among service providers, raise 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 lapses in service
Emphasizing its commitment to strict regulatory implementation, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that it will not tolerate deficiencies that negatively affect pilgrims or affect the quality of service.The Ministry added that continuous monitoring and evaluation of service providers remains central to its strategy to develop the Umrah sector and improve the pilgrims’ experience in general.
A broader regulatory push
The latest action follows a previous executive action in February, when Saudi authorities suspended the contracts of about 1,800 foreign travel agencies operating in the Umrah sector.The ministry said at the time that affected agencies were given a 10-day grace period to address deficiencies identified during periodic evaluations of performance and quality of service.
The suspension was limited to the issuance of new visas, with contracts eligible for reactivation once compliance requirements are met.The Ministry said that such measures form part of an ongoing regulatory approach aimed at enhancing accountability, improving service standards, and ensuring that pilgrims receive the level of service expected within the Kingdom’s evolving Umrah framework.
