CAIRO, June 22 – Egypt has taken decisive measures against 16 tourism companies following the deaths of at least 530 Egyptian pilgrims during this year’s hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The crackdown comes as part of an effort to address the negligence that led to the fatalities, according to a statement from a crisis unit led by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
The crisis unit, formed in response to the tragic incidents, announced on Saturday that it has revoked the operating licenses of the implicated tourism firms and referred them to the public prosecutor. The companies are accused of serious lapses, including failing to provide necessary services such as medical assistance to the pilgrims.
Among the grievances cited, the companies allegedly arranged travel for pilgrims using personal visit visas instead of the required hajj visas, which permit access to Mecca for religious rituals. This oversight left pilgrims without access to crucial medical services provided by Saudi authorities during the pilgrimage, forcing some to traverse harsh conditions on foot.
Egyptian authorities also criticized the companies for not ensuring adequate accommodations for the pilgrims, exposing them to extreme temperatures that exacerbated their health conditions. The statement highlighted that while 31 deaths were confirmed as resulting from chronic illnesses, many others occurred under challenging circumstances due to the companies’ negligence.
The deaths occurred amid punishing conditions in Mecca, where temperatures soared above 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit) during the hajj pilgrimage season. This year’s fatalities underscore the dangers faced by pilgrims, particularly those not properly supported by their travel agencies.
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