Saudi Arabia Reports Over 1,300 Deaths in Hajj, Mostly Unauthorized Pilgrims

At least 1,301 individuals have perished during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with a significant number being unauthorized pilgrims who endured scorching temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F).

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), more than three-quarters of the deceased lacked official permits and faced extreme heat without adequate shelter.

Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel highlighted efforts to educate pilgrims about heat-related risks, noting that health facilities attended to nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits, with many still hospitalized for heat exhaustion.

Criticism has arisen over Saudi Arabia’s handling of Hajj safety, particularly for unauthorized pilgrims who lack access to essential facilities such as air-conditioned tents and official transport. The pilgrimage, mandatory for financially and physically capable Muslims, drew 1.8 million participants this year.

Countries worldwide have reported casualties among their citizens, with Egypt, Indonesia, and India among those most affected.

The aftermath has prompted actions by governments, including Egypt’s revocation of tourism licenses and Jordan’s detention of travel agents facilitating unauthorized trips.

Hajj permits are allocated via quotas and lottery, but the high costs drive some to undertake the journey illegally, risking arrest and deportation if caught.

Prior to the Hajj, Saudi authorities had expelled hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca in an effort to enforce regulations.