Hajj 2024: Egypt cracks down on tourism firms, accuses them of causing pilgrim deaths

The Egyptian government said on Saturday (June 22) that it withdrew thelicenses of 16 tourism companies and referred them to the public prosecutor, accusing them of being responsible for the deaths ofEgyptian pilgrims in Mecca.

A unit headed by Prime MinisterMostafa Madbouly was formed to address the situation. Citing medical and security sources, the news agency Reuters reported that at least 530Egyptians died during this year's pilgrimage.

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Meanwhile, a statement from the unit said that 31 deathswere confirmed as a result of chronic illness. The statement said that tourism companies that facilitated the travelof those who died did not provide them with services of any kind, including medical.

No appropriate accommodation provided

The tourism companies have been blamedfor sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabiaon personal visit visas, rather than Hajj visas that allow access to Mecca where Hajj rituals take place.

Medical services offered by Saudi authorities to alleviate the hardships of the pilgrimage are not offered to those travelling with a personal visa, Reuters reported.

The government unit pointed out that the pilgrims who diedhad to walk through the desert into Mecca to avoid arrest or deportation.

Authorities, meanwhile said that the companies also did notprovide the pilgrims with "appropriate accommodation." This causedpilgrims' "exhaustion due to the high temperatures."

Majority of victims were unregistered

Cairo documented 31 deathsamong registeredEgyptian pilgrims, citing "chronic diseases" as the cause of deaths. The unit further said thatMost of those who died were unregistered.

In a statement, the Egyptian cabinet said, "The prime minister has ordered the licenses of these companies to be revoked, their managers to be referred to the public prosecutor, and the imposition of a fine to benefit the families of the pilgrims who died because of them."

(With inputs from agencies)