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Rabat – Abdelilah Daddas, the Consul General of Morocco in Jeddah, revealed during a conversation with Radio Aswat on Wednesday that five Moroccan pilgrims have passed away in Mecca since the beginning of the 2024/1445 Hajj season.
Daddas indicated that three of the deceased Moroccan pilgrims died in their hotel rooms.
He added that the causes of death appear to be natural, as they all suffered from chronic illnesses and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The consul informed the radio of yet another death, marking the sixth. This individual wasn’t a pilgrim, but a Moroccan butcher brought in to slaughter sheep for Eid Al-Adha during the Hajj season. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident.
Daddas clarified that Moroccan pilgrims who pass away during Hajj have the option of being repatriated for burial or laid to rest at the holy site.
“Approximately 99% of families grant us permission to conduct burials for their deceased relatives in Saudi Arabia,” said the Moroccan diplomat.
He also highlighted a new initiative, noting: “For the first time this year, the Consulate General of Morocco has opened an office in Mecca that operates 24/7 to assist Moroccan pilgrims.”
The main goal of this office is to expedite administrative procedures in unfortunate events such as the death of a pilgrim, he explained, adding that the Consulate General is considering opening a similar office in Medina for the upcoming Hajj season.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Health, over 32,000 medical and administrative personnel have been deployed across multiple health facilities, including more than 5,000 doctors from various specialties.
This year, a total of 34,000 Moroccan pilgrims are participating in Hajj. The Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs oversees 22,500 pilgrims, with tourism agencies managing the remaining 11,500.
Read Also: Hajj 1445: 5,000 Doctors Mobilized to Serve Pilgrims in 183 Health Facilities
