Five Moroccan pilgrims have died in Mecca since the start of the 2024/1445 Hajj season, Morocco's Consul General in Jeddah, Abdelillah Daddas, said on Wednesday in a phone call with Radio Aswat. Daddas said three of the deceased pilgrims died in their hotel rooms. He added that the cause of death appears to be natural, as «they all suffered from chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure». When asked about repatriation, Consul Daddas explained that Moroccan pilgrims who pass away during Hajj can either be repatriated or buried in the holy city. «Ninety-nine percent of families give us the green light to bury their deceased loved ones in Saudi Arabia», he said, citing the sacredness of the place. The Consul also highlighted a new initiative. «For the first time this year», he said, «the Moroccan Consulate General has opened an office in Mecca that operates 24/7 to assist Moroccan pilgrims». This office helps to expedite administrative processes in unfortunate events like the death of a pilgrim. The consulate general plans to open a similar office in Medina for the coming Hajj season. A total of 34,000 Moroccan pilgrims are participating in Hajj this year. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs supervises 22,500 pilgrims, while tourist agencies manage the remaining 11,500. The Consul concluded by stating that 738 administrators, scholars, doctors, and media professionals, including 520 escorts and supervisors, are working to serve and supervise these pilgrims.
