Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended agreements with 1,800 foreign travel agencies over violations related to Umrah services and halted the issuance of new visas for those companies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said around 5,800 overseas Umrah travel agencies are officially registered, but disciplinary action was taken against firms that failed to meet required service standards for pilgrims. The ministry added that the suspension is temporary and part of efforts to improve the overall quality of services provided to Umrah visitors.

Under the decision, affected agencies have been given 10 days to address and rectify the identified violations. Authorities said agreements could be reinstated once compliance with regulations is ensured.

The ministry clarified that the suspension will not affect pilgrims who obtained Umrah visas before the action was taken. Such pilgrims will be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia according to their original schedules.

Officials stressed that the visa suspension applies only to agencies found in violation of service regulations and does not represent a blanket restriction. The measure, they said, is aimed at strengthening oversight, ensuring pilgrim welfare, and maintaining service standards for Umrah visitors from around the world.