Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 people without Hajj permits from entering Makkah

Saudi Arabia has stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering the Holy City of Makkah, officials said on Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city.

The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorised participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year’s searing summer heat.

The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorised pilgrimages — as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come.

There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit.

The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency.

Muslims arrive ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the grand mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. Reuters

At a press conference in Makkah, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city. According to the rules, only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round.

Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj companies.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Omari told the media: "The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”

The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah and involves a series of religious rituals. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence said on Sunday that drones were being used for the first time at the Hajj. These can be used for surveillance and monitoring, as well as extinguishing fires.

Associated Press