The Egyptian government has announced the revocation of licenses from 16 tourism companies following the deaths of several Egyptian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia who did not obtain permits to perform Hajj this year.
A statement from the Cabinet on Saturday said, “A preliminary investigation identified 16 tourism companies that engaged in fraudulent practices and illegally transported pilgrims without providing any services.”
The statement added, “The Prime Minister has instructed the swift withdrawal of these companies’ licenses and the referral of responsible individuals to the Public Prosecution, with fines levied for the benefit of the families of the deceased pilgrims.”
Last Tuesday, Arab diplomats reported the deaths of at least 323 Egyptian pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, most due to heat-related causes.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued directives on June 20th to establish a crisis cell chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to monitor and manage the situation regarding the deaths of Egyptian pilgrims.
Madbouly also announced on the same day the formation of a task force to oversee and manage the crisis surrounding the deaths of Egyptian pilgrims.
