Saudi Arabia Turns Back Over 269,000 Unauthorized Pilgrims from Mecca Ahead of Hajj

Saudi authorities have barred over 269,000 individuals without official permits from entering Mecca ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, according to announcements on Sunday reported by AlArabiya and AP.

The action is part of wider efforts to control overcrowding and ensure safety during the annual Islamic ritual.

The Interior Ministry said the measures target both foreign nationals and Saudi residents attempting to participate in Hajj without authorization.

Violators face fines of up to $5,000 and possible deportation.

In addition, authorities have penalized over 23,000 residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj service providers.

At a press conference in Mecca, officials announced that 269,678 individuals without permits had been stopped from entering the city.

The rules stipulate that only those with permits are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, regardless of whether they reside in the city year-round.

Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari told the media, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”

The strict enforcement comes amid rising concerns about the impact of unauthorized pilgrims on public safety.

According to government sources, many of those who died during last year’s extreme summer heat were found to be unregistered participants.

Currently, around 1.4 million pilgrims with valid permits are in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.

In a move signaling increased surveillance and technological intervention, Saudi Civil Defence has deployed drones for the first time during the Hajj. Officials said these drones will help with crowd monitoring, surveillance, and even firefighting.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

This year’s pilgrimage is being held under high temperatures, heightening concerns about health and safety.