Saudi Arabia Suspends Contracts with 1,800 Travel Agencies Over Umrah Visa Issues
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the suspension of contracts with 1,800 foreign travel agencies that specialize in Umrah services. This decision affects only new visa applications, and will not impact pilgrims who already hold valid visas or have existing bookings.
This action follows a routine performance evaluation that identified deficiencies in service quality among these agencies. The ministry has provided a 10-day grace period for the affected agencies to rectify their issues and comply with regulatory standards to reinstate their contracts.
The ministry stated that this measure aims to improve service quality and enhance the reliability of its service providers. It will implement strict regulatory actions against agencies that do not meet compliance requirements.
Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuimi, the official spokesperson, indicated that legal measures will be taken against any agency that fails to address its shortcomings within the designated timeframe. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to ensuring transparency and compliance to guarantee a safe and stable experience for pilgrims.
This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to safeguarding the rights of pilgrims and enhancing the overall quality of Umrah services, while allowing agencies the chance to improve without compromising the rights of current travelers.
