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Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations

Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations

Arab News5 hours ago

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded violations by seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services to pilgrims, as stipulated in their approved programs.
It is part of the ministry's efforts to enhance service quality for pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque, ensuring compliance with contracts in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve the pilgrim experience at every stage of their journey.
The ministry took regulatory measures against the violating companies, suspending their operations and liquidating their bank guarantees to cover alternative transport costs for affected pilgrims, ensuring services meet approved standards.
It highlighted its commitment to protecting pilgrims' rights and providing services of the highest quality and professionalism.
The ministry also highlighted its zero-tolerance approach to negligence or breach of contractual obligations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It called on all Umrah companies to strictly adhere to approved regulations and deliver services according to designated schedules, ensuring quality and the comfort of pilgrims and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom.

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Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations
Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations

Arab News

time5 hours ago

  • Arab News

Hajj Ministry suspends 7 Umrah firms over transport violations

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded violations by seven Umrah companies due to deficiencies in providing transport services to pilgrims, as stipulated in their approved programs. It is part of the ministry's efforts to enhance service quality for pilgrims and visitors of the Prophet's Mosque, ensuring compliance with contracts in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve the pilgrim experience at every stage of their journey. The ministry took regulatory measures against the violating companies, suspending their operations and liquidating their bank guarantees to cover alternative transport costs for affected pilgrims, ensuring services meet approved standards. It highlighted its commitment to protecting pilgrims' rights and providing services of the highest quality and professionalism. The ministry also highlighted its zero-tolerance approach to negligence or breach of contractual obligations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It called on all Umrah companies to strictly adhere to approved regulations and deliver services according to designated schedules, ensuring quality and the comfort of pilgrims and visitors during their stay in the Kingdom.

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