Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah companies from providing their services, following the results of last season's performance evaluation, which showed low performance levels at a number of companies and detected violations of the regulations and instructions governing Umrah pilgrim services.
The ministry said the suspension decision is part of its early preparations for launching the Umrah season and its keenness to ensure the quality of services offered to Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, according to a post on the Saudi Press Agency website.
It noted that the decision covered 15 Umrah companies due to low performance ratings according to the approved measurement indicators, as well as 6 other companies that committed violations of the regulations and instructions governing Umrah pilgrim services, requiring regulatory action against them.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed that the evaluation system is based on operational and supervisory indicators measuring the quality of services provided and companies' compliance with regulatory controls and requirements.
It added that these indicators aim to strengthen competitiveness among service providers and raise performance levels, supporting the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 in providing a distinctive and safe experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.
The ministry stressed that it will continue to apply the regulations and instructions firmly, affirming that it will not tolerate any shortcomings affecting the quality of services or pilgrims' rights.
It noted that the continuous evaluation of Umrah service providers is one of the main tools for developing the sector and raising the quality of services provided.
To view the post on the Saudi Press Agency website, click here.
