RIYADH — Egyptian Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy emphasized that there has been full coordination with Saudi Arabia since the last four months to prevent unauthorized Hajj. "We are keen to confront the Hajj mafia who attempt to facilitate performing Hajj without obtaining the official permits. The Ministry of Tourism is capable of protecting pilgrims who travel through legitimate and approved entities, while those wishing to perform Hajj by resorting to unauthorized entities are the losers," the minister said while speaking to Al-Arabiya.net and Al-Hadath.net. It is noteworthy that the Egyptian authorities have launched intensive campaigns to crack down on the mafia of illegal Hajj firms in the country. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior has succeeded in busting more than 3,000 illegal firms, as well as brokers and fraudsters who defraud those wishing to perform Hajj without a permit. Fathy said that there are legitimate channels for the organization of Hajj and Umrah. "Everyone, who follows legitimate and legal methods in performing Hajj and Umrah, will be under the protection of the state and the ministry," he said. The minister emphasized that legitimate methods are coordinated with the Egyptian Travel Agents Association to organize pilgrims' travel through legitimate and official channels and ensure they receive standard services. He emphasized the need to impose penalties on violators. Egypt had announced a set of regulations for various types of entry visas for its citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia, effective from the end of last month until the end of the Hajj season. Egypt's Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Ismail Khairat said that the regulations issued by the Saudi authorities to regulate entry into the Kingdom during the current period, including those pertaining to Egyptian citizens, are summarized in several provisions, including a ban on all categories of people entering Makkah specifically from April 23, until June 11, including residents of the Kingdom, with the exception of three categories. He said that the three categories are those who have obtained an official Hajj permit, residents holding residency permits issued only from Makkah, and those working inside Makkah under a special permit. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to adhere to the regulations and conditions for all types of entry visas to Saudi Arabia, strictly adhere to the validity of the visa granted to them and the dates of their departure from the Kingdom, and not to remain in Makkah so as to avoid falling under the law and being subject to legal accountability. It is noteworthy that at least 600 Egyptians were among more than 1300 Hajj pilgrims died mainly due to extreme heat and sunstroke during the Hajj of 2024.
