Egypt cracks down on tourism companies after hajj deaths

Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred them to the public prosecutor due to the deaths of Egyptian pilgrims in Mecca.

The companies are accused of not providing medical services, sending pilgrims with visit visas instead of Hajj visas, and not offering appropriate accommodation.

At least 530 Egyptians died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with 31 deaths confirmed due to chronic illness.

The pilgrims who died had to walk through the desert to avoid arrest or deportation.