Saudi Arabia Tightens Umrah Operator Rules and Suspends Violators
Saudi Arabia is enforcing stricter licensing rules for Umrah operators and suspending companies that breach service standards, part of a drive to protect pilgrims.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia is enforcing stricter licensing rules for Umrah operators and suspending companies that breach service standards, part of a drive to protect pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has set stricter health and fitness requirements for pilgrims, barring serious uncontrolled conditions and mandating vaccination and physical capability.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a one-year, multiple-entry Umrah visa allowing pilgrims to enter the Kingdom several times with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, booked through the Nusuk platform.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the 1448 AH Umrah calendar: visa issuance ends 9 March 2027, final entry is 23 March 2027, and all Umrah-visa pilgrims must leave by 7 April 2027, with Nusuk permits required throughout.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued the 1448 AH Hajj roadmap, setting a 26 September 2026 registration deadline, discontinuing the lowest package tier, and mandating operator training and integrated service packages.
The Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque has raised capacity to around 1.85 million worshippers, with work continuing toward more than two million.
Bus crash near Makkah kills 2 Egyptian Umrah pilgrims, injures 25 Muslim Network TV
Strict security in Makkah targets Hajj violations Arab News
Taraneh Rahimi was told prison guards would rape her sister, Romina, if she did not sign a confessionThe twins were 19 and still in high school when they were taken from their beds in the dead of night by masked men later identified as being sent by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Saudi Arabia Records 15.2 Million Umrah Pilgrims in First Quarter of 2026 Nomad Lawyer
Ministry of Hajj organizes ‘Khitamuhu Misk’ ceremony in Makkah Arab News
Singapore to get 900 slots for Haj 2027; pilgrims to undergo enhanced medical assessment The Straits Times