The General Administration for Umrah Affairs will immediately ban an Umrah company, without any notification, if it fails to meet licensing and other official operating criteria. This is part of new regulations introduced for the Umrah season starting later this month. Umrah companies with rulings against them for violations will not be allowed to operate this year. A company must have a valid license and a bank certificate showing the company's capital and that it has settled all outstanding debts. The General Administration for Umrah Affairs warned companies that they will be shut down, without notification, for presenting false documents, data, addresses and telephone numbers. Owners of Umrah companies must also attach an undertaking confirming the authenticity of all data and documents. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Haj, represented by the General Administration for Umrah Affairs, has started evaluating companies before approving visas and renewing expired licenses. Informed sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the ministry has taken this step to upgrade performance and compliance with official directives. Evaluations will take place at the beginning of every Umrah season. The sources said a company would be re-evaluated, in coordination with the Passports Department, if there are any remarks against it. The evaluation will also cover the offices of the Umrah company in Makkah and Madina. Meanwhile, the National Committee for Haj and Umrah has informed the Ministry of Haj that 35 companies have been unable to get visas this year because they have not met the government's new set of rules regarding pilgrim flights, housing and transportation in Makkah and Madina. The ministry has made it mandatory for Umrah companies to sign transport and housing contracts with licensed operators. The sources said the National Committee for Haj and Umrah has received complaints from the owners of Umrah companies. Their demands have been referred to the Minister of Haj, who will meet with the committee's chairman and members on Saturday. __
