Saudi Arabia suspends four companies for putting Umrah pilgrims in unlicensed housing
Four companies offering Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah have been suspended after visitors were provided with unlicensed housing, Saudi authorities said. Saudi Arabia 's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the companies, as well as four agents, were disciplined for violations that “affected a number of pilgrims”. It said the breaches “involved the accommodation of pilgrims in unlicensed facilities”. The…
Four companies offering Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah have been suspended by Saudi authorities, after it was found that visitors were housed in unlicensed facilities. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the disciplinary action against the companies and four agents involved, stating that the violation "affected a number of pilgrims".
The breaches involved accommodating pilgrims in unlicensed housing, which contravened regulations. The four companies are now being referred to a Committee for Reviewing Pilgrims Complaints, which may impose penalties on them. The Ministry has warned all companies offering Umrah services that they are subject to "field and digital monitoring" to ensure they comply with requirements.
This crackdown is part of Saudi Arabia's economic modernisation plan, as the kingdom aims to become a top tourism destination. Umrah, a pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed throughout the year, holds significant spiritual value for Muslims worldwide. Earlier this year, the ministry introduced a new Umrah visa, allowing pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times a year, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
The current Umrah season is set to conclude on April 7, around five weeks prior to the anticipated start of Hajj in May 2027.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Saudi Arabia suspends four companies for putting Umrah pilgrims in unlicensed housing thenationalnews.com
- Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua sign air transport agreement english.ajel.sa
