A statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities explained that a government investigation established these 36 compamies violated the laws and rules governing the organization of illegal Hajj and Umrah trips.

These companies facilitated the travel of citizens to perform Hajj on visas to visit Saudi Arabia other than those issued by the Kingdom for the sole purpose of peforming the pilgrimage, according to the ministry’s statement.

Samia Sami, Head of the Central Administration for Tourism Companies, explained that Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy had directed her administration to expedite all investigations into the companies involved in these violations.

The statement noted that the ministry is committed to taking the necessary legal actions to remedy the situation and ensure that all companies adhere to all laws and regulations governing their operations.

The ministry urged citizens to book their Hajj trips through licensed companies which require a Hajj visa for a Hajj purpose before making travel arrangements.

It emphasized that only those individuals who acquire a visa specifically designated for performing Hajj will be permitted to do so per Saudi rules and regulations.

Article 21 of the Egyptian Hajj Regulation Law stipulates a financial penalty of  EGP 1-3 million on any entity that violate legal provisions in organizing Hajj trips.

The law doubles the minimum and maximum fine for repeat offenders.

Around 650 Egyptian were among hundreds of pilgrims who died due to the scorching heatwave during this year's pilgrimage in June.

Most of the Egyptian victims had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj but without a proper Hajj permit.

In response to the tragedy, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the formation of a task force led by PM Madbouly to determine reasons and culprits behind the deaths of Egyptian pilgrims at the Hajj.

The task force was mandated to investigate travel companies in Egypt that sold cheaper non-Hajj visas to the KSA to citizens who were looking to perform the pilgrimage - in violation of Saudi regulations.