Latest news with #MinistryofHajjandUmrah
Saudi Gazette
16-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Seven Umrah companies suspended for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended seven Umrah companies after detecting serious violations, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations — a direct breach of approved regulatory guidelines. In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said the violations pose significant risks to the safety and comfort of pilgrims and confirmed that it had taken immediate legal action against the offending companies, with penalties to follow as stipulated by law. The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all pilgrims receive their full rights in line with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. It warned that it will not tolerate any company that fails to uphold its contractual obligations or jeopardizes the safety of pilgrims. All Umrah operators were urged to fully comply with the official regulations and to deliver the agreed services within the set timelines. The ministry stressed that adherence to these standards is essential to enhancing the pilgrim experience and ensuring satisfaction throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Seven Umrah companies breach housing rules
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded offenses by seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodation, a breach of regulatory guidelines. The findings were part of the ministry's oversight efforts to monitor service quality for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The ministry said these incidents affect pilgrims' safety and comfort and that it has begun legal action against the companies to enforce penalties under the law. The authority affirmed its commitment to ensuring pilgrims receive their full rights with the highest quality and efficiency. The ministry said it will not tolerate any entity failing contractual obligations or endangering pilgrims' safety, the SPA added. It urged all Umrah companies to comply with laws and provide agreed services on time to support a positive experience for pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom.
Gulf Insider
10-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Suspends Two Umrah Firms Over Accommodation Violations
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended two Umrah companies for violating regulations, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations—an act the ministry described as a serious breach that jeopardises pilgrim safety. Legal action has been initiated against the companies, which were also summoned for investigation. The ministry said the penalties are part of broader efforts to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and enforce compliance with service standards. The ministry has stepped up its crackdown on companies that fail to meet regulatory requirements, warning that violations will be met with firm legal consequences. Inspections and monitoring efforts have intensified in recent months, targeting operators that do not comply with licensing rules or contractual obligations. 'The ministry will not tolerate negligence or breaches of contractual obligations,' it said in a statement, adding that all licensed Umrah operators must fully adhere to approved regulations and provide services according to established schedules. The statement underscored the ministry's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and professionalism in services offered to pilgrims. It also called on all companies operating in the Umrah sector to prioritise the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of pilgrims and visitors to the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The enforcement action forms part of the ministry's ongoing campaign to monitor service quality and ensure contractual obligations are met, in line with its broader strategy to enhance the pilgrim experience in the Kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
09-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj Ministry suspends 2 Umrah companies for accommodating pilgrims in unlicensed facility
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended two Umrah companies for violations including accommodating pilgrims in unlicensed housing facilities. The ministry considers this as a serious violation that directly impacts the safety of pilgrims. The ministry has taken legal action against the two companies, including suspending them from operation and summoning them for investigation. This comes as part of the ministry's commitment to ensuring that pilgrims receive their full rights. The ministry emphasized its role in ensuring that services are provided to pilgrims according to the highest standards of quality and professionalism, and will not tolerate any negligence or breach of contractual obligations towards pilgrims. The ministry underlined the need for all Umrah companies and establishments to fully adhere to the approved regulations and instructions and to provide services according to the specified schedules. This will contribute to enhancing the quality of services and achieving the satisfaction and comfort of pilgrims and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom. This comes within the framework of the ministry's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, and to monitor the implementation of contractual programs concluded with Umrah companies and establishments.
Gulf Insider
04-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Suspends Four Umrah Firms, Fines Others Over Pilgrim Housing Violations
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended four Umrah companies and imposed financial penalties on several others after uncovering violations related to inadequate accommodation services for pilgrims. The disciplinary measures follow a series of unannounced field inspections conducted to ensure Umrah service providers are meeting the contractual obligations outlined in their approved programmes. The ministry found that a number of companies had failed to deliver the housing standards promised to pilgrims, in breach of prior agreements. 'These violations contradict the service commitments agreed upon with providers and are not aligned with the standards we expect for pilgrims,' the ministry said in a statement. 'Ensuring the comfort, safety, and dignity of pilgrims remains our top priority.' The penalties vary depending on the severity and recurrence of each violation. In addition to the suspension of four firms, other companies were fined, though the ministry did not disclose the exact amounts. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance across the sector. 'Negligence or failure to meet contractual duties will result in firm legal consequences,' the statement added. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts by Saudi authorities to elevate the overall experience of pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques, particularly in light of the Kingdom's goals to expand and enhance religious tourism under Vision 2030. The ministry urged all licensed companies to adhere to the approved regulations and timelines, stressing the importance of delivering high-quality services throughout every phase of the pilgrim's journey.
