Four Umrah service companies and four external agents have been suspended by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah after it found they had housed pilgrims in unlicensed accommodation.

The ministry said several pilgrims were affected. The companies have been referred to the committee that reviews pilgrim complaints for investigation and the application of statutory penalties.

It said field and digital monitoring of Umrah companies, service providers and external agents will continue in order to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational requirements, uncover violations and take legal action.

The ministry called on all Saudi companies and external agents to follow the approved rules and meet their obligations to pilgrims, and reaffirmed that it will penalise violators in line with the Pilgrim Experience Program, a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030.