No leniency for negligent Hajj service providers, Saudi Arabia warns

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah warned that there won’t be any leniency in taking stringent punitive measures against domestic and foreign Hajj service providers in the event of committing any negligence or dereliction of duty concerning rendering the best services for the pilgrims. He said this while addressing a meeting of chairmen of boards of directors of domestic and foreign Hajj service-providing companies and establishments in Makkah on Monday.

Al-Rabiah stated that the ministry will take a firm stance against companies found negligent or non-compliant, imposing penalties as necessary. In severe cases, this may include an indefinite revocation of a company’s license, effectively barring them from providing services to pilgrims.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed all preparations and discussed detailed matters related to this year’s Hajj season. He lauded the careful follow-up of all preparations by the Supreme Hajj Committee, headed by the Minister of Interior and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif.

Dr Al-Rabiah emphasised the importance of Hajj service providers in maintaining a diligent focus on delivering exceptional services to pilgrims. This includes ensuring seamless transportation, comfortable accommodation, catering services, guidance, and support from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom until their departure after completing their lifetime spiritual journey.

He stressed the importance of punctuality and adherence to the schedules of the pilgrims’ smooth grouping and transportation between the holy sites and the times of performing the rituals, in addition to contributing significantly to educating and training pilgrims before and during their arrival.

He further urged the Hajj service providers to make pilgrims aware of the importance of the Nusuk card and their commitment to carrying it to ensure that they obtain services easily and conveniently at all stages of the journey in coordination with the ministry and offices undertaking Hajj matters. The minister also called on the companies and establishments to take part in the “No Hajj without a permit” campaign to prevent pilgrims without a permit from entering the holy sites.

Al-Rabiah also noted that the ministry’s teams will measure compliance based on self-assessment. This is to ensure the operational readiness of the services provided by the companies and monitor any shortcomings or negligence that may affect the services provided to the pilgrims.