The licenses of 16 Egyptian tour agencies accused of involvement in incidents resulting in hundreds of deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca have been revoked.
Although media reports that about 1,000 pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia due to illness, the Egyptian prime minister’s office responsible for managing the crisis has confirmed only 31 deaths.
The travel agencies are alleged to have misled pilgrims by obtaining personal visit visas instead of proper Hajj visas. Pilgrims holding Hajj visas are entitled to medical treatment in Saudi hospitals, whereas those with visit visas are not.
Most of the victims reportedly died from exhaustion due to the intense summer heat as they passed through the desert towards Mecca to avoid detection or deportation.
Over 50,000 Egyptians officially participated in this year’s pilgrimage. Some pilgrims attempt the journey without permits, risking apprehension and deportation.
The implicated travel agencies have been referred to the public prosecutor for further investigation.