Latest news with #UmrahCompanies
Arab News
11 hours ago
- Business
- 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.
Gulf Business
18-05-2025
- Gulf Business
When can you perform Umrah next? Saudi reveals dates
Image credit: Getty Images Foreign pilgrims will be allowed to arrive in Saudi Arabia for Umrah starting on Dhul Hijjah 15, corresponding to June 11, 2025. Read- This is in accordance with the official Umrah calendar announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the year 1447, according to a The Calendar The calendar includes key information such as visa issuance dates, agreements with foreign agents, and deadlines for entry and departure of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom. According to the ministry, Umrah visa issuance will begin on 14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 (June 10, 2025), followed by the official start of pilgrim arrivals on 15 Dhul Hijjah 1446. Contracts with foreign agents to define services for pilgrims must be finalized by 29 Dhul Qadah 1446 (May 27, 2025). Preparations for the new Umrah season began on March 25 with the launch of the external agent qualification service via the 'Nusuk' platform and the 'Umrah Path' system. Agreements between Umrah companies and external agents began signing on April 14 during the Hajj and Umrah Services Forum 2025. Key dates The calendar also outlines key cut-off dates. The final deadline to issue Umrah visas is 1 Shawwal 1447 (March 20, 2026), while the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is 15 Shawwal 1447 (April 3, 2026). Pilgrims must depart by 1 Dhul Qadah 1447 (April 18, 2026). Additionally, the ministry noted that the acceptance of external agent qualification requests will close by 1 Sha'ban 1447 (January 20, 2026), which is also the deadline for approving contracts with Umrah companies. This timeline is part of the ministry's strategic planning to ensure a smooth and well-organized Umrah season, enhancing services for pilgrims from around the world.
Arabian Business
15-05-2025
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia announces upcoming Umrah season calendar
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the arrival of foreign Umrah pilgrims for the upcoming season will begin on Wednesday, June 11 (15 Dhul Hijjah 1446), according to the recently released Umrah calendar for the Islamic year 1447, as announced by the official ministry on X (formerly Twitter). The official calendar outlines all critical milestones for the season, including visa issuance timelines, service agreements with international agents, and deadlines for both entry and departure of pilgrims travelling from outside the Kingdom. 'The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces the Umrah season calendar for the year 1447 AH, as part of preparations to serve pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque arriving from outside Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas,' the post read. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces the Umrah season calendar for the year 1447 AH, as part of preparations to serve pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque arriving from outside Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas. #Ease_and_Tranquility #No_Hajj_Without_Permit — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 9, 2025 Visa issuance for Umrah will open on June 10 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), with the first group of foreign pilgrims expected to arrive the following day. Contracts between Umrah companies and authorised overseas agents must be concluded by May 27 (29 Dhul Qada 1446), ensuring service readiness well in advance. Preparations for the new Umrah season were set in motion on March 25, marked by the launch of the external agent qualification process via the 'Nusuk' platform and the 'Umrah Path' system. #Ease_And_Tranquility #No_Hajj_Without_Permit — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 11, 2025 Formal agreement signing between Umrah firms and external agents began on April 14 during the Hajj and Umrah Services Forum 2025. The calendar also includes several key deadlines. The final day for Umrah visa issuance is set for March 20, 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447), while the last date for pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is April 3, 2026 (15 Shawwal 1447). All pilgrims must depart no later than April 18, 2026 (1 Dhul Qada 1447). In addition, applications for qualifying as an external agent will close on January 20, 2026 (1 Sha'ban 1447), which also serves as the final deadline for contract approvals between agents and Umrah operators. The Ministry stated that the structured timeline reflects its broader efforts to streamline pilgrimage operations and elevate the standard of service delivery to pilgrims worldwide.
