Hundreds of pilgrims who died from extreme heat during this year's haj were not officially registered with Saudi authorities, leaving many without access to vital servicesThe deaths highlight a looming problem for organizers as climate change spreads across the region: the practice of requiring official permits for such services raises concerns that unregistered pilgrims may be increasingly exposed to life-threatening temperatures.
At the same time, high prices for official Haj packages are forcing some Muslims to choose cheaper unofficial routes to participate in the ritual. The unregistered pilgrims' lack of authorization made it difficult to provide them with services and care, Saudi Interior Ministry security spokesman Col. Talal bin Shalhoub told Saudi television channel al-Arabiya.