Egypt cracks down on Hajj violations, 36 travel companies lose licenses

This was announced by the Head of the Central Administration for Tourism Companies, Samia Sami. The decision follows directives from Minister Sherif Fathy, who ordered expedited investigations into the involved companies.

This crackdown comes in the wake of a tragic incident during this year’s pilgrimage in June, where around 650 Egyptians were among hundreds of pilgrims who died due to a severe heatwave. Many of the Egyptian victims had travelled to Saudi Arabia without proper Hajj permits. In response, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi formed a task force led by Prime Minister Madbouly to investigate the deaths and the travel companies responsible for facilitating illegal Hajj trips, Ahram reports. 

The ministry’s statement confirmed that the 36 companies had been found guilty of organising illegal Hajj and Umrah trips, allowing citizens to travel on non-Hajj visas, directly violating Saudi regulations.

In line with Article 21 of the Egyptian Hajj Regulation Law, companies found guilty of violating these provisions face financial penalties ranging from EGP 1 to 3 million (approximately $32,000 to $97,000).

The ministry emphasised its commitment to enforcing legal measures against companies that fail to comply with regulations, urging citizens to book their Hajj trips only through licensed agencies.