During the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, a tragic event occurred as over 1300 individuals lost their lives. The pilgrimage saw a total of 1.8 million pilgrims arriving in Mecca, where they had to endure walking long distances in the scorching heatwave. Temperatures soared to a staggering 51 degrees Celsius, creating extremely challenging conditions for the pilgrims. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and hardships faced by those undertaking the sacred journey to Mecca.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has taken action against 16 tourism companies for their involvement in fraudulent hajj trips to Mecca. These companies have been stripped of their licences and their managers have been referred to the public prosecutor's office. This decision comes in light of the recent hajj pilgrimage where over 1,100 deaths were reported, with many attributed to extreme heat. The Prime Minister's order to prosecute these travel agents highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need to hold accountable those responsible for putting pilgrims at risk. The safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the hajj pilgrimage is of utmost importance, and any fraudulent practices that compromise their safety will not be tolerated. This crackdown on fraudulent travel agents sends a strong message that such actions will not be overlooked and that those involved will face legal consequences. The government's swift action in response to the tragic events during this year's hajj demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all pilgrims.