MAKKAH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah service companies following the results of performance assessments conducted during the previous season.
The evaluations revealed a decline in service standards among several operators, as well as breaches of regulations governing Umrah service providers, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Saturday.
The decision forms part of the ministry’s early preparations for the forthcoming Umrah season and reflects its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of service for Umrah pilgrims.
According to the ministry, the suspension includes 15 companies for low performance scores based on approved evaluation indicators, as well as six companies that committed regulatory violations requiring formal corrective action.
The ministry explained that its evaluation framework is based on operational and supervisory indicators designed to measure service quality and compliance with regulations.
The system aims to encourage greater competition among service providers, raise performance standards, and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by delivering a safe, efficient and high-quality experience for pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Reaffirming its strict approach to regulation, the ministry stressed that it has zero tolerance for any shortcomings that may affect service quality or compromise the rights of Umrah pilgrims. It added that the continuous assessment of Umrah companies remains a key mechanism for improving services and driving development across the sector.
