Egypt to Clamp Down on Illegal Pilgrimage Operators Amidst Hajj Tragedy In the aftermath of the tragic Hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of 1,301 pilgrims, Egypt is vowing to crack down on companies offering illegal pilgrimages. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and regulation of religious tours. “We will not tolerate illegal pilgrimages,” declared the Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zaazou. “We will take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.” The Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is considered a mandatory religious obligation for Muslims who can afford it. However, only authorized operators are permitted to organize Hajj tours in Egypt. Companies offering illegal pilgrimages often cut corners on safety and hygiene standards, putting pilgrims at risk. In recent years, there has been a growing problem of illegal pilgrimage operators in Egypt. These companies often lure customers with low prices, but fail to provide adequate services or insurance. Pilgrims who book through illegal operators may find themselves stranded, facing health hazards, or even being exploited. The Egyptian government has announced that it will step up inspections and enforcement to identify and prosecute illegal operators. Companies caught offering unauthorized Hajj tours will face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Pilgrims are advised to book their Hajj tours only through authorized operators recognized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. They should also verify the company’s credentials, insurance coverage, and safety protocols before making a booking. The crackdown on illegal pilgrimage operators aims to ensure the safety of Egyptian pilgrims and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The government is urging all pilgrims to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to illegal operators who compromise their well-being.The Egyptian government will revoke the licenses of 16 Hajj tourism companies involved in conducting illegal pilgrimages to Mecca and refer company managers to the prosecutor. This decision comes amid fears that hundreds of Egyptians could be among the more than 1,300 people who died during this year’s Hajj.The Egyptian government will revoke the licenses of 16 Hajj tourism companies involved in conducting illegal pilgrimages to Mecca and refer company managers to the prosecutor. This decision comes amid fears that hundreds of Egyptians could be among the more than 1,300 people who died during this year’s Hajj. Saudi Arabian authorities reported a total of 1,301 pilgrim deaths this year, with about 83% of those fatalities attributed to unauthorized travel. These pilgrims faced long distances, direct sunlight, and inadequate shelter and comfort. The Egyptian government’s actions stem from a cabinet meeting where a report highlighted the questionable practices of some tourism businesses. The report revealed that some operators issued incorrect visas, leaving pilgrims unable to enter Mecca and forcing them to enter on foot through desert paths. Inadequate accommodation also exposed tourists to the heat. The timing of this year’s Hajj, which coincided with scorching temperatures in Saudi Arabia, contributed to the high death toll. Pilgrims endured extreme temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Indonesian pilgrim Ahmed recounted witnessing many individuals falling ill and dying from the heat during his journey. He described seeing bodies lying by the roadside, covered with white cloths, and a lack of health workers or ambulances. The exact death toll for this year’s Hajj may still increase as governments only have records of pilgrims who registered and traveled through their country’s quota system.Egypt Vows Crackdown on Illegal Hajj Operators In response to the tragic loss of life during the recent Hajj pilgrimage, Egypt has announced a crackdown on companies offering unauthorized packages to potential pilgrims. Saudi authorities have reported that 1,301 people died in this year’s pilgrimage, prompting concerns over safety standards. The Egyptian Ministry of Endowments has issued a statement warning against dealing with unregistered pilgrimage operators. It has instructed that all pilgrims must book their packages through the official channels, in accordance with regulations set by the Egyptian government and Saudi authorities. Unlicensed pilgrimage companies often charge exorbitant fees and provide substandard services, posing safety risks to their clients. The Egyptian authorities are determined to eliminate these illegal practices and ensure the well-being of pilgrims. “We will take strict measures against any company or individual found offering illegal pilgrimage packages,” said a Ministry official. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority.” The crackdown is part of a broader effort to regulate the pilgrimage industry and enhance the experience for pilgrims. Egypt has been cooperating with Saudi Arabia to improve crowd management, medical facilities, and other services during the annual pilgrimage. Pilgrims are urged to be vigilant and only book their packages through authorized operators. They should carefully compare prices and services offered to avoid falling prey to scams.