| By Arab News

Ministry Suspends Licensed Company and Overseas Agent for Accommodation Breaches

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended an Umrah service provider and its overseas agent after the company failed to deliver accommodation services in accordance with approved contractual programs for pilgrims.

In a statement released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said the violation involved pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom without secured lodging, despite accommodation being listed as part of the officially documented service packages. The lapse was deemed a clear breach of regulations governing Umrah services and pilgrim welfare.

Regulatory Action to Protect Pilgrims’ Rights

The ministry confirmed that immediate regulatory measures were taken under existing legal frameworks to address the violation. According to the statement, the enforcement action aims to protect affected pilgrims, prevent similar incidents in the future, and maintain consistent service standards for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

“The measures are intended to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and ensure continuous improvement in service quality,” the ministry said.

Broader Oversight of Umrah Operators

The suspension follows earlier enforcement actions taken by the ministry. In June, seven Umrah companies were suspended for shortcomings related to pilgrim transportation services, reflecting stricter oversight of licensed operators.

Data cited by SPA from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques show that more than 1.7 million Muslims arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during Jumada Al Akhira alone.

Also known as Jumada Al Thani, the sixth month of the Islamic calendar ended on December 20, 2025, for Hijri year 1447, underscoring the scale of pilgrim flows and the importance of compliance in service delivery.

Source:

Arab News Japan. (2025). Saudi Arabia issues first licence to dine-in restaurant serving marijuana dishes. https://www.arabnews.jp/en/saudi-arabia/article_161516/