Saudi Ministry suspends four Umrah operators for using unlicensed housing

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it has suspended four companies that sell Umrah packages to Makkah, as well as four agents, because they placed pilgrims in accommodations that were not licensed. The ministry described the breaches as affecting a number of pilgrims and referred the cases to a Committee for Reviewing Pilgrims’ Complaints, which can levy penalties. It also warned that all Umrah service providers will be subject to both field inspections and digital monitoring to verify compliance with regulations.

The crackdown is part of the Pilgrim Experience Programme, a pillar of the kingdom’s economic modernization drive to boost tourism. This season’s Umrah period continues until April 7, roughly five weeks before the Hajj season expected to start in May 2027. The ministry recently introduced a new multi-entry Umrah visa allowing up to 90 days of stay per year.