CAIRO: Egypt is ramping up efforts to prevent a repeat of the 2024 Hajj crisis, when thousands traveled to Saudi Arabia on improper visas to illegally perform the pilgrimage.
In coordination with Saudi authorities, Egyptian officials are tightening controls and warning travel companies against transporting pilgrims without valid Hajj visas.
A high-level committee, led by the prime minister, has been formed to manage the situation.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met with Egyptian Ambassador Ehab Abou Srei in Riyadh to discuss Cairo’s preventive measures.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that strict action will be taken against companies found in violation.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also created a “crisis cell,” which recently referred 16 tourism officials to prosecutors for Hajj-related offenses.
Authorities are also working to combat fraudulent entities posing as Hajj organizers and praised Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support to legal pilgrims.
Parliamentarian Ahmed Idriss confirmed that Egypt is committed to preventing a recurrence of last year’s issues through proactive planning and cross-border coordination.
[Reported by Ashraq Al Aawast]
