Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slapped fines amounting to SR50,000 each on 10 Umrah companies for their failure in offering the required services for the Umrah pilgrims.

The ministry found fault with these Umrah service providers in terms of their negligence, breach of duties, and failure in fulfilling statutory obligations provided to pilgrims with regard to housing and transportation services.

The ministry reiterated that it will neither allow nor tolerate any shortcomings pertaining to the services being rendered to the pilgrims, and that it is continuing to ensure protection of the rights of pilgrims.

This is through continuing inspection tours on all service facilities and dealing with complaints and feedback from pilgrims by taking all legal measures to hold the defaulters accountable.

This is part of the efforts to improve quality of services provided for the Guests of God as well as to ensure their safety and security.

The ministry also called on all aspiring pilgrims from within the Kingdom and outside to deal only with firms licensed by the competent authorities to organize Umrah tours, and choose accommodation facilities and means of transport only from the licensed agencies so as to preserve their rights and ensure that the services being provided to them are in the best possible manner.