Egypt revoked the operating licenses of 16 tourism companies and reported them to the public prosecutor following Haj-related fatalities, the media reported.
According to the media, the tourism companies that assisted the deceased travelers did not offer any services, including medical assistance. The agencies are criticized for sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on personal visit visas instead of Hajj visas, which grant access to Mecca for religious rituals.
Those traveling on personal visas did not receive medical services provided by Saudi authorities, the outlet said. The pilgrims who passed away reportedly had to walk through the desert to reach Mecca to prevent arrest or expulsion.
Last week, at least 53 Tunisians also reportedly lost their lives in Saudi Arabia due to the severe heat, with several people missing. Following this, the Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs, Brahim Chaibi, was dismissed, the presidency said.