Egypt leads in Umrah agencies for 1447 AH... and 1800 agencies suspended to regulate the market
The latest official statistics released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the year 1447 AH reveal a new map and strategic distribution of Umrah agents worldwide. These figures reflect the significant expansion of the global market for services provided to pilgrims, coinciding with extensive regulatory efforts led by the Ministry to enhance the quality of services offered.
Egypt and Pakistan are at the forefront of the scene
Data showed that Egypt topped the list of countries with the most accredited Umrah agents, boasting 935 agents, a figure reflecting the depth of relations and the large number of Egyptian pilgrims. Pakistan came in second with 540 agents, followed by Algeria with 520, then Yemen in fourth place with 413, and Sudan in fifth with 407.
These figures are not just statistics, but a vital indicator of the strategic weight of these countries in the global Umrah system, making them a key partner in the success of religious seasons and a focus of future regulatory policies.
The context of Vision 2030 and the development of services
These statistics and regulatory decisions come within a broader context aligned with the objectives of "Saudi Vision 2030," which aims to facilitate hosting more Umrah pilgrims while providing high-quality services. Through the "Serving the Guests of God" program, the Kingdom seeks to bring about a qualitative shift in the pilgrim experience, from visa issuance to departure, relying on digital transformation and rigorous governance of the overseas agencies sector.
Suspending contracts for quality control
In a decisive move to regulate the market, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a temporary suspension of new contracts with approximately 1,800 foreign travel agencies out of nearly 5,800 operating in the sector. This decision was based on the results of a periodic evaluation that revealed shortcomings in the performance of some agencies.
The ministry gave these agencies a 10-day grace period to rectify their situations and address the observed issues, stressing that the suspension is limited to issuing new visas and does not affect existing contracts, in order to ensure everyone's compliance with the approved standard criteria.
Assurances for pilgrims and protection of rights
The Ministry, through its official spokesperson Dr. Ghassan Al Nuaimi, confirmed that pilgrims with valid visas or confirmed bookings will not be affected by these regulatory measures, and services will continue as normal. The Ministry emphasized that protecting the rights of pilgrims is its top priority, and that the classification system and performance indicators are effective tools for market analysis and excluding non-compliant entities, thus enhancing the global credibility of the Umrah system.
