Saudi Suspends 4 Umrah Companies, Agents Over Unlicensed Accommodation
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended four Umrah companies and four external agents for housing pilgrims in accommodation facilities that do not hold the required licences.
The ministry said the affected companies and agents were referred to the Committee for Reviewing Pilgrims’ Complaints, which will investigate the cases and determine the statutory penalties applicable to the violations.
According to the ministry, the regulatory action followed a single violation: placing Umrah pilgrims in accommodation facilities that were not licensed by the relevant Saudi authorities.
The ministry announced the action in a social media post as Saudi Arabia continues to enforce regulations governing Umrah service providers and accommodation arrangements.
The suspension affects the four Umrah companies identified by the ministry, while four external agents connected to the cases were also referred to the complaints committee for regulatory review.
Saudi Suspends 4 Umrah Companies, Agents Over Unlicensed Accommodation
Under Saudi Arabia’s Umrah regulatory framework, service providers are expected to comply with approved requirements for pilgrim accommodation and other services. The latest action underscores the consequences that operators may face when they fail to meet those requirements.
The complaints committee is expected to review the cases before imposing any penalties provided for under the relevant regulations.
The ministry’s enforcement action also highlights the importance of pilgrims confirming that their accommodation arrangements are provided through authorised service providers and licensed facilities.
Pilgrims who encounter accommodation problems or other issues related to their Umrah services can contact Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through its official complaint channels.
The ministry provided 1966 as the contact number for callers within Saudi Arabia and +966 920002814 for calls from outside the Kingdom.
The action comes amid continued efforts by Saudi authorities to strengthen oversight of Umrah services and ensure that pilgrims receive services that meet approved regulatory and accommodation standards.
