A recent report by Egypt's "Hajj Crisis Management" cell has revealed that 16 tourism companies were involved in fraudulently facilitating the travel of pilgrims.

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These companies, found to have arranged irregular travel and provided no services to the pilgrims, are now facing severe repercussions, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Cabinet on Saturday.

The cabinet announced that it would revoke the licenses of these 16 companies and refer their officials to the public prosecutor. Additionally, the companies will be fined, with the proceeds directed to the families of the pilgrims whose deaths were linked to the irregular travel arrangements.

The Egyptian government emphasized the need for close cooperation with Saudi authorities to support the families of the victims and those who are currently hospitalized.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been tasked with monitoring these violating tourism companies and initiating necessary legal actions against them.

The Ministry of Justice is also considering imposing fines on these companies to compensate the families of the victims, with the matter referred to the public prosecutor for further legal proceedings.

Key recommendations from the report include coordination with Saudi authorities for DNA analysis of unidentified deceased individuals to help match them with their families in Egypt.

The Egyptian Ministry of Health is also working with its Saudi counterpart to monitor the health conditions of hospitalized patients and explore the possibility of repatriating them once their health stabilizes.

Moreover, the report stressed the importance of establishing robust mechanisms for issuing various types of visit visas through coordinated efforts between Saudi authorities and the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before and during the Hajj season.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia tightens entry measures to holy sites

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been directed to review entry visa lists for Saudi Arabia, ensure that barcodes are issued by tourism companies, monitor compliance, and take legal action against any violating companies.

Additionally, the Ministry will study amendments to the Tourism Companies Law No. 38 of 1977 to tighten regulations on tourism companies implementing Hajj and Umrah programs, ensuring they adhere to the law and clearly define their responsibilities.