The Egyptian government has taken a firm stance against 16 Hajj tourism companies found to be engaging in illegal practices related to pilgrimages to Mecca. This decision was made following a cabinet meeting where concerns were raised about the dubious operations of certain tourism companies, particularly in light of the recent tragic deaths of pilgrims during this year's Hajj.
Reports indicate that while the official death toll among Egyptians stands at 31, the actual number of casualties could be much higher, with estimates ranging from 500 to 600 deaths. The investigation revealed that some companies had issued incorrect visas, preventing pilgrims from entering Mecca through proper channels and forcing them to take dangerous desert paths on foot. Additionally, inadequate accommodation arrangements left tourists vulnerable to the extreme heat.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased pilgrims and pledged to provide them with necessary support during this difficult time.
Hajj permits are allocated on a quota system, with Saudi Arabia requiring pilgrims to obtain licenses to access Mecca legally. However, the high cost of these licenses has led many pilgrims to attempt illegal entry, often without proper transportation or essential supplies like water and food.
This year's Hajj coincided with record-high temperatures in Saudi Arabia, with pilgrims enduring scorching heat reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Many pilgrims, including Ahmed from Indonesia, witnessed fellow pilgrims falling ill or succumbing to the extreme conditions along the journey.
As part of the pilgrimage rituals, pilgrims engage in extensive walking in the heat, which has contributed to the challenging conditions faced by participants. The exact death toll from this year's Hajj remains uncertain, with countries gradually reporting the deaths of their nationals who participated in the pilgrimage.
Concerns are also raised about unregistered pilgrims whose deaths may not be accounted for by governments, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and oversight in future pilgrimages to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.
