Saudi authorities have prevented more than 269,000 people without permits from entering Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as officials step up efforts to crack down on unauthorized visits.
The government attributes overcrowding during the Hajj to those participating without proper authorization and also claims that unauthorized pilgrims made up a large portion of the fatalities during last year’s extreme summer heat.
The high number of people stopped highlights both the scale of illegal pilgrimages and the strong demand among Muslims to perform the Hajj. Currently, around 1.4 million Muslims are officially in Mecca, with more expected to arrive soon.
Anyone attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit faces fines of up to $5,000, possible deportation, and other penalties. These rules apply to both Saudi citizens and residents.
At a press briefing in Mecca, officials confirmed that 269,678 people without permits had been turned away. The regulations require permits even for those who live in Mecca year-round.
In addition, more than 23,000 Saudi residents have been fined for violating Hajj rules, and authorities have revoked the licenses of 400 companies involved in organizing the pilgrimage.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari emphasized, “We are monitoring all pilgrims, and anyone who disobeys will be dealt with.”
The Hajj, a key Islamic ritual, involves a series of religious rites and is an obligation for all Muslims who are physically able and can afford it. However, in recent years, the pilgrimage has faced challenges due to extreme heat, as many rituals take place outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
The pilgrimage, which sometimes draws over 2 million people for its five-day duration, has a history of fatal incidents including stampedes and other accidents.
For the first time this year, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense is employing drones during the Hajj for purposes such as surveillance, crowd monitoring, and firefighting.
