Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended agreements with 1,800 foreign travel agencies over Umrah service violations and stopped issuing new visas, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said about 5,800 overseas agencies are registered, but action targeted companies that failed to meet required service standards there.
Affected travel agencies have been given ten days to rectify violations, after which agreements may be reinstated if the ministry is satisfied with corrections completed.
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The ministry clarified that pilgrims who obtained Umrah visas before the suspension will not be affected and can travel as scheduled under their original plans.
Officials said the temporary suspension of visa issuance applies only to agencies found violating Umrah service regulations during the current enforcement process by authorities concerned.
Authorities said the measure aims to improve services provided to Umrah pilgrims around the world by ensuring compliance with approved standards and regulations for agencies.
