In a response to the tragic deaths of several Egyptian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj in Mecca, Egypt’s authorities have taken significant measures against the travel agencies implicated in the events. The crisis unit, formed recently under the leadership of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, has announced the withdrawal of operating licenses from 16 tourism companies. These agencies are now facing severe legal actions as they have been referred to the public prosecutor for further investigation.
The situation unfolded when at least 530 Egyptian nationals were reported dead during the pilgrimage, although official sources confirm 31 of these deaths, attributing them to chronic illnesses. However, the crisis unit has pointed out severe negligence on the part of the tourism companies involved. It was revealed that these agencies failed to provide essential services, including medical support, to the pilgrims they sent to Saudi Arabia.
The agencies in question are accused of utilizing personal visit visas for the pilgrims instead of the required Hajj visas, which are specifically designed to facilitate access to Mecca and the religious rituals performed there. This mismanagement had dire consequences as it deprived the pilgrims of the medical services usually provided by Saudi authorities to support the pilgrims’ wellbeing during the demanding journey.
Furthermore, the statement from the crisis unit highlighted that the pilgrims had to endure severe conditions, including navigating through desert areas on foot to reach Mecca. This was to avoid detection and arrest due to the inappropriate visa status. This ordeal in the desert, coupled with inadequate accommodation arranged by the agencies, led to severe exhaustion among the pilgrims, compounded by the extreme temperatures that soared past 51 degrees Celsius (124 Fahrenheit) at times.
Most of the fatalities were among unregistered pilgrims, highlighting a systemic issue of lack of oversight and disregard for the safety and well-being of the travelers by the implicated companies. The Egyptian authorities have also documented additional deaths among registered pilgrims, citing chronic diseases as the primary cause. These incidents have cast a shadow over the agencies’ commitment to ensuring the safety and health of the pilgrims under their care.
These recent developments have raised awareness about the critical need for stringent regulatory measures in the pilgrimage tourism sector. It has also prompted a call for enhanced cooperation between hosting and sending countries to safeguard the welfare of pilgrims under all circumstances.
