This year’s Hajj pilgrimage witnessed a tragic loss of life, with hundreds of pilgrims succumbing to the extreme heat in Mecca as temperatures soared past 50 degrees Celsius.
Alarmingly, 83% of these fatalities were among those who had taken illegal routes, underscoring the significant dangers associated with unregulated travel during this sacred journey.
The Saudi government revealed that many of the deceased had paid exorbitant fees to illegal tour operators in an attempt to bypass official channels.
Instead of being transported in air-conditioned buses and housed in safe, regulated accommodations, these pilgrims were left to endure the scorching desert heat, forced to walk for miles under the relentless sun.
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In response to this tragedy, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has taken decisive action against the perpetrators. On Saturday, he ordered the revocation of licenses for 16 tourism companies involved in these illegal operations and referred their managers to the public prosecutor, as stated by Egypt’s cabinet.
The surge in the number of deaths among unregistered Egyptian pilgrims has been attributed to these companies, which “organized the Hajj programs using personal visit visas, preventing their holders from entering Mecca via official channels.”
This crackdown highlights the severe consequences of engaging with illegal tour operators. The government aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that all pilgrims adhere to the established, regulated channels designed to safeguard their well-being.
The use of personal visit visas, which do not grant entry to Mecca through official routes, places unsuspecting pilgrims at grave risk.
The heartbreaking loss of life serves as a grave warning to future pilgrims about the perils of illegal Hajj routes. It is imperative for prospective pilgrims to seek reliable, sanctioned travel arrangements to ensure their safety and honor the sacred journey with the dignity and respect it deserves.
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The Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage for all able Muslims, is one of Islam’s five pillars. Due to a quota system, permits are distributed by lottery in each country. Some choose illegal routes to avoid the high cost and lengthy application process of official permits, which can cost thousands.
However, these unauthorized paths expose pilgrims to severe desert conditions, dehydration, and exhaustion. They risk detention, fines, deportation, and unverified medical screenings, increasing disease risk. Additionally, they may fall victim to human traffickers and scams.