Rabat – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the suspension of contracts with 1,800 foreign travel agencies operating in the Umrah sector, out of a total of around 5,800 agencies worldwide.
The affected agencies have been given a 10-day deadline to correct their situation after the results of a regular performance evaluation that identified weaknesses in service quality and compliance with required standards.
The decision has raised concerns among Umrah operators and pilgrims, including in Morocco. However, Mohamed Samlali, President of Morocco’s National Federation of Travel Agencies, told SNRT News the move is part of an ongoing regulatory strategy rather than a punitive action.
Samlali explained that Saudi authorities have long relied on a classification system based on performance indicators to improve service quality and protect pilgrims’ rights. This system aims to evaluate and correct performance, not to punish agencies, he said.
According to Samlali, foreign Umrah agencies are regularly assessed and placed into different categories. Agencies in the “green” category meet required standards, while those in the “yellow” category have minor issues that can be corrected.
Agencies classified in the “red” category face temporary suspension due to serious shortcomings but are given a limited period to address these problems before their contracts are restored.
Samlali also reassured Moroccan pilgrims that the suspension only affects the issuance of new Umrah visas. Existing visas and confirmed bookings are not impacted and pilgrims who already have valid visas will receive all agreed services normally, he said.
He further clarified that not all travel agencies offering Umrah trips are authorized to issue visas directly. Only agencies accredited by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah can issue visas and purchase Umrah programs through the official “Nusuk” platform.
Samlali warned against fraudulent operators who present themselves as licensed Umrah organizers without proper authorization. These actors often attract clients with low prices but fail to deliver promised services.
Saudi authorities have confirmed they will take legal action against agencies that fail to correct their situation within the deadline, while continuing regular monitoring to ensure service quality and pilgrims’ rights.