Saudi authorities have prevented more than 269,000 individuals without Hajj permits from entering the holy city of Mecca, as the Kingdom steps up enforcement ahead of this year’s pilgrimage.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over crowd control and safety during the five-day Islamic ritual.
At a press briefing in Mecca, officials reported that 269,678 people were stopped at various entry points.
They warned that performing Hajj without a permit, even for residents, carries fines of up to $5,000, potential deportation, and other penalties.
Officials have also taken action against 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj rules and revoked licenses from 400 Hajj service providers.
“The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands,” declared Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari.
Currently, over 1.4 million official pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, with more expected in the coming days.
The government attributes last year’s deadly heat-related incidents in part to unpermitted pilgrims who added to dangerous overcrowding during rituals performed in extreme summer conditions.
To improve security and response, Saudi Arabia is deploying drones for the first time during Hajj. These will monitor crowds and assist in emergency response, including firefighting operations.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able. However, rising demand and logistical challenges continue to strain the system each year.
Authorities continue to emphasize safety, order, and adherence to permit rules to avoid tragedies witnessed in previous years.
