CAIRO, June 22 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli directed to withdraw the licenses of 16 travel agencies accused of being responsible for the travel of unregistered pilgrims without offering them needed services a matter which led to the tragic death of some of them.

The officials of these agencies will be referred to the public prosecution in addition to fining the travel agencies and making them pay compensations for the families of the deceased pilgrims.

This came in light of the recommendations of a report issued by a group concerned with addressing the unregistered pilgrims’ crisis.

The prime minister chaired on Saturday a meeting of the group of officials from the ministries and bodies concerned.

During the meeting, the prime minister offered condolences to the bereft families, stressing commitment to offer all needed support and care to them.

The premier noted that there is immediate coordination with Saudi authorities to facilitate transferring the bodies and standing on the reasons behind this tragedy.

The premier directed to take immediate action against anyone responsible for the travel of unregistered pilgrims, adding that efforts are under way to secure data about these pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry noted that consular working teams from the Foreign Ministry embarked on field visits to Saudi hospitals to collect data about Egyptians being treated or those dead to report to their families.

The group called in its recommendations on Egyptians to avoid unofficial travel channels as they are risking their lives, referring to notifications issued by the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry to commit to the official pilgrimage framework.

The Foreign Ministry has launched hotlines linked to emergency rooms for communication to reach missing pilgrims. (MENA)
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