Saudi Hajj Ministry Suspends 21 Umrah Companies Over Performance
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah companies for poor performance and regulatory violations ahead of the 1448 AH season.
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Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah companies for poor performance and regulatory violations ahead of the 1448 AH season.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital contracting service on the Masar Nusuk platform to automate agreements with external agents and service providers for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
As the 1448 Umrah season opens, pilgrims face summer heat above 40C in Makkah. Sensible timing, hydration, and use of cooling infrastructure keep the rites safe.
Saudi Arabia reopened the 1448 AH Umrah season on May 31, 2026, with Grand Mosque permits now issued only through the Nusuk app and a shorter 30-day visa entry window.
Saudi Arabia has cut the Umrah entry visa validity from three months to 30 days, while requiring verified Nusuk hotel bookings before a visa is issued.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 21 Umrah service companies on June 13, 2026, citing poor performance and regulatory violations as it tightens standards across the sector.
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