Qatar cracks down on 5 unlicensed Umrah service providers

Umrah services

Five unlicensed offices which organize Umrah, a minor Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, are identified as illegal by the Qatar Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs on 1 April 2026.

The offices were uncovered during routine inspection tours undertaken by the Ministry’s Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department in its regular efforts to monitor compliance with regulations overseeing various sectors under the Umrah umbrella.

It emphasised that work without a licence is an obvious violation subject to legal responsibility. It urged members of the public to transact only with licensed offices and avoid other providers not sanctioned by the government, warning that people would otherwise risk botched procedures or loss of rights.

Its other recommendations advised customers to ensure any contract made with a licensed office was clear and complete, and to review all details carefully before completing registration so that they could protect their rights and proper procedures were followed.