The only solution to the Egyptian pilgrims' crisis is getting the Saudi authorities to allow the issuance of entry visas within 48 hours, a board member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association said Wednesday.

If this does not happen, the fate of 40,000 to 50,000 pilgrims will be up in the air, Ihab Abdel Aal said in statements to MENA.

He noted that the Saudi authorities are not behind the crisis.