Saudi Arabia suspends 1,800 Umrah travel agencies over service failures

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended contracts with about 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies after a periodic review.

The suspension was based on “performance shortcomings and poor service quality.”

According to Saudi press agency, the ministry has given the suspended agencies a 10-day period to meet required performance standards. During this time, the suspension applies only to the issuance of new Umrah visas; agencies that comply within the deadline will have their contracts renewed.

Ghassan Alnwaimi, spokesperson from the ministry, claimed that pilgrims who already hold valid visas or have confirmed bookings will not be affected. He emphasized that the regulatory action is taken to safeguard the rights of pilgrims using these travel agencies.

Furthermore, authorities warned that agencies failing to improve by the deadline will face strict regulatory action.