Makkah, June 14 -- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Haj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah service companies after performance evaluations revealed shortcomings in service quality and breaches of regulations governing the sector.

The ministry said the move forms part of its preparations for the upcoming Umrah season and reflects its commitment to ensuring high standards of service for pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom.

According to the ministry, 15 companies were suspended due to low scores in approved performance assessments, while six others were penalised for regulatory violations that required formal corrective measures.

The ministry said its evaluation framework relies on operational and supervisory indicators designed to measure service...