During the intense heat of June 18, 2024, Muslim worshippers used umbrellas as they participated in the third day of the ritual of stoning the devil, part of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, as reported Reuters.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior revealed that during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, 1,079 out of 1,301 fatalities, or 83%, occurred among individuals lacking official authorization.
In a discussion on Al-Arabiya, Colonel Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, acting as the security spokesperson, emphasized the increased efforts directed at media and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to discourage unauthorized Hajj attendance and stiffen penalties for those found in breach of regulations.
Colonel Shalhoub also mentioned that there have been instances of misuse regarding visit visas and other types of visas not intended for Hajj, within the Kingdom.
Furthermore Colonel Shalhoub highlighted that certain tourist agencies in friendly nations have misled holders of visit visas by issuing them improper visas for Hajj and encouraging these individuals to break the rules by remaining in Makkah for two months prior to the Hajj.
He stressed that a Hajj permit is essential, not just a simple pass. It serves as a vital instrument for ensuring that pilgrims can be pinpointed and assisted swiftly, offering them necessary care and services. Without such a permit, providing support and healthcare to some offenders becomes difficult.
Colonel Shalhoub also pointed out ongoing efforts to publicize, via Public Security’s official social media platforms, the apprehension and legal processing of individuals involved in distributing fraudulent Hajj promotions.
He also expressed approval for the firm actions adopted by several allied nations against fraudulent companies, along with the corrective measures these countries have executed to fend off any similar infractions in the future.
Victims of the incident hailed from over ten different nations, from the United States to Indonesia, with several governments still in the process of revising their casualty data.
Mostly, the fatalities were due to heat exposure, as temperatures in Makkah soared to 51.8°C this year, as reported by the meteorological services of Saudi Arabia.
Also Read |Heatwave Tragedy Strikes Hajj Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia Reports Over 1,300 Deaths
