RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Following the tragic deaths of over 1,100 individuals during the Haj pilgrimage, a senior Saudi official defended the kingdom’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that the state did not fail in its management. The deaths, attributed to high heat and difficult weather conditions, brought attention to the risks involved in the annual pilgrimage.
Reports indicated that a significant number of the deaths, over half of them, were from Egypt. The Saudi government confirmed a total of 577 deaths on the busiest days of the Haj, which included pilgrims enduring intense heat while participating in prayer rituals. Despite the confirmed figure, the official noted that this number was only partial and did not account for the entire duration of the pilgrimage, which concluded on Wednesday.
Each year, Haj permits are allocated to countries on a quota system, distributed to individuals through a lottery. However, the high costs associated with the pilgrimage often lead many individuals to attempt the journey without proper permits, risking arrest and deportation by Saudi security forces if caught. This practice has become more common since the introduction of a tourism visa in 2019, making entry into the kingdom easier.
Prior to this year’s Haj, Saudi officials identified and turned away over 300,000 individuals without permits. However, a directive allowed around 400,000 unregistered pilgrims, mostly from Egypt, to participate in the pilgrimage. The presence of unregistered pilgrims raised concerns about access to necessary amenities, such as air-conditioned tents and transportation services, leading to reports of difficulties in receiving medical assistance.
The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 51.8C (125F) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, exacerbated the challenges faced by pilgrims, particularly those without permits. The lack of access to essential services like ambulances and official Haj buses left many unregistered pilgrims vulnerable during the pilgrimage.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the senior Saudi official clarified that unregistered pilgrims were not banned from using the buses but noted that these services were primarily for registered pilgrims. The identified issues with unregistered pilgrims highlight the complexities and risks associated with the Haj pilgrimage, underscoring the importance of proper planning and oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.