Saudi Cabinet approves amendments to Foreign Pilgrim Service Providers Law

The Saudi Cabinet approved amendments to several articles of the Law on Foreign Pilgrim Service Providers, issued under Royal Decree No. M/111. The changes abolish the “Arbab Al-Tawaif” establishments and replace it with “Pilgrim Hospitality Companies.”

Under the amended text, Pilgrim Hospitality Companies are defined as licensed entities responsible for serving pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites; providing water services to pilgrims in their residences within Makkah; managing reception and dispatch operations for pilgrims at the Kingdom’s entry points and arranging their return; and serving visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Ownership and management of these companies are restricted to Saudi nationals, and no new Pilgrim Hospitality Companies may be established.

The amendments specify that inheritance of shares in these companies will follow the provisions of the Personal Status Law, while executive regulations will set out exit arrangements for non-Saudi heirs.