Since mid-June, Hajj has been in full swing, but unlike previous years, this particular season was met with harrowing circumstances. Over 1,300 pilgrims died, most due to heat stroke. Months later, steps are being taken to uncover the status of those missing from Hajj.
The Search Continues Through DNA
Egypt has decided to rely on DNA to figure out the status of Egyptian citizens who did not return from Hajj. The plan is to collect DNA samples from families of pilgrims who went missing. So far, 680 Egyptians have reportedly died during their pilgrimage, while many were reported missing.
According to Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed El-Homosany, the first step for any family member unable to figure out the status of their lost relatives is to head to the foreign ministry headquarters. From there, the search process will begin, including the collection of DNA samples.
Egypt’s Revocation of Hajj License
Along with identifying the lost pilgrims, Egypt took other steps to prevent the loss of more pilgrims in the future. A task force established by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies involved in illegal pilgrimage arrangements.
The reason behind identifying and closing down these companies was that most of the pilgrims who were lost were on unregistered Hajj trips.
These unregistered pilgrims were in limbo in Mecca and Medina during the scorching heat wave, which made it harder to identify and find them.
Beyond Egypt
Along with the Egyptians, more than 200 Indonesians and over 90 Indian nationals lost their lives. This is one of the most widespread cases of death and missing persons reported at Hajj thus far.
Over time, with all the efforts being put in, officials may be able to retrieve the remaining missing persons who lost their way during the pilgrimage. Hopefully, more precautions will be applied to next year’s Hajj to avoid a repetition of this year’s events.