The handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage by the Saudi Arabian government faces significant backlash following the admission that 1,300 Muslims have died therein, due to a spike in temperatures reaching up to 51.8 degrees. This figure is five times greater than what was reported the previous year, however, the Saudi administration insisted that the hajj was a success.
Fahd bin Abdulrrahman al-Jalajel, the country’s Health Minister stated that the majority (83%) of the deceased were not official hajj permit holders, which guarantees safe shelter and transport facilities. Nearly half a million participants were treated at health centres for heat exhaustion, including 140,000 who didn’t have permits, he added. Around 95 pilgrims are currently hospitalised, with some even being airlifted to Riyadh for further treatment.
Those who lacked permits endured long sunny walks with no comfort or shade as disclosed by the Saudi press agency. Egypt reported the highest number of fatalities (660), which included 31 registered pilgrims with chronic illnesses, followed by 200 Indonesians, 98 Indians, 99 Jordanians, and 49 Tunisians as confirmed by their respective governmental authorities. In addition, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Senegal, Sudan and the United States have also reported casualties among their nationals.
The overall turnout in Mecca, the nearby Mina site and the Arafat plain for four days of rituals stood at approximately 1.8 million. To facilitate the smooth and safe progression of rituals for the massive crowd while also preventing tragic mishaps, Saudi Arabia has built concrete road networks and flyovers, which unfortunately also contribute to heat absorption and radiation.
Every able-bodied Muslim with sufficient means is obliged to complete the pilgrimage, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, at least once in their lifetime. Traditionally, hajj visas and additional arrangements are secured through local agents who have connection with Saudi Arabian partners. The allocation of hajj visas to different countries is done through a quota system, with individuals being chosen by a lottery. However, the Saudi hajj ministry has presently taken over the booking and management processes to amplify revenues.
In the year 2022, the ministry brought forth an internet-based system that compels travellers to make advanced reservations that cover air travel, accommodation, meals and transportation, consequently leading to an increase in expenses beyond what many can afford. As a result, several individuals resort to procuring tourist visas from local travel operators. Upon reaching the kingdom, these visitors find themselves without lodgings or transportation. Reacting to the deaths that have occurred this year, Saudi Arabia claims to have shut a number of such travel agencies. In addition, Saudi authorities have issued warnings of penalties and incarceration for travellers without the necessary permits.
Several media outlets have carried reports of travellers on pricey packages ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 or €5,500 to €11,200 per individual, expressing dissatisfaction with insufficient cooling in the tents, lack of proper hygiene facilities, overcrowded transport, the non-existence of water dispensing points, and regulations that compel them to traverse on foot in the sunlight to reach ceremonial sites and tents. Fauziah, an Indonesian traveller, reported to the BBC that “Many collapsed as a result of overcrowding and excessive heat in the tents.”