Riyadh(The COW News Digital) Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended contracts of 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies after they failed to meet required performance and service standards. The move is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims visiting the holy sites.
According to Gulf media reports, the suspended agencies represent a significant portion of the Umrah sector, which currently includes around 5,800 licensed agencies operating worldwide. The decision follows a comprehensive periodic evaluation conducted by the ministry to assess operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, and overall service quality.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that serious shortcomings were identified in the performance of several agencies during the review process. These included failures related to accommodation arrangements, transportation services, coordination with local partners, and adherence to approved pilgrimage programs. The ministry emphasized that maintaining high service standards is essential to ensuring a safe and dignified experience for pilgrims.
Ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuaimi stated that the affected agencies have been given a grace period of 10 days to address the deficiencies highlighted in the evaluation. During this time, agencies are expected to submit corrective action plans and demonstrate tangible improvements in their operations.
He clarified that the suspension currently applies only to the issuance of new Umrah visas and does not affect pilgrims who have already arrived in Saudi Arabia through these agencies. Authorities assured that necessary arrangements are in place to ensure that existing pilgrims continue to receive services without disruption.
Saudi officials noted that the Kingdom has significantly expanded digital monitoring and performance assessment mechanisms in recent years. These systems allow the ministry to track agency compliance in real time and take swift action against those failing to meet established benchmarks.
The suspension comes as Saudi Arabia continues to implement reforms under Vision 2030, with a strong focus on enhancing the pilgrimage experience for millions of Umrah and Hajj visitors each year. By holding travel agencies accountable, the ministry aims to raise service quality, increase transparency, and protect the rights of pilgrims.
Industry experts believe the move will encourage greater professionalism across the Umrah travel sector and push agencies to invest in better training, infrastructure, and customer support. Agencies that fail to comply within the given timeframe risk facing extended suspensions or permanent license cancellations.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated that it remains committed to working with international partners to ensure smooth, reliable, and high-quality services for all pilgrims, while taking firm action against those who fall short of required standards.
