Gov’t Issues Warning Against Unauthorised Umrah Companies

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued a warning to the public, urging vigilance against two unauthorised companies that are unlawfully charging individuals for Umrah trips without government approval.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs addressed the issue, stating that they had become aware, through social media channels, of companies violating regulations governing travel for Umrah by collecting funds for unauthorised trips.

The companies identified in the warning are:

• Al Mash-ar Hajj Umrah

• Vadi Hajj and Umrah

According to Umrah regulations, permits are valid for two consecutive years, and it is illegal for companies to collect payments in advance for Umrah trips falling outside the designated permit period.

The ministry sternly reminded the public of the illegality associated with organising Umrah trips without the necessary permissions, as well as making payments to unauthorised companies. Violators of these rules will be held accountable, the ministry asserted.

The authorised companies for providing Umrah services are listed on the ministry’s website. The ministry urged all concerned parties to refer to the published list, which was last updated on December 7. 

The list comprises 50 companies granted permission to facilitate Umrah trips from March of the current year to November of the following year.