Saudi Arabia halts over 269,000 pilgrims lacking Hajj permits
- Saudi officials have reported that more than 269,000 people have been stopped from entering Mecca for the Hajj without the necessary permits.
- The large number of unauthorized pilgrims has been linked to previous heat-related fatalities and overall overcrowding concerns.
- Authorities are enforcing strict penalties on violators and improving monitoring efforts to ensure safety during the annual religious pilgrimage.
In a significant crackdown on unauthorized entries, Saudi Arabian authorities have recently halted over 269,000 individuals attempting to enter Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This decision underscores the growing concerns surrounding overcrowding during the religious event, which is officially limited to those possessing valid permits. The measure comes as officials express worries about the safety and the rising number of heat-related deaths associated with unregulated participation in the pilgrimage. Currently, Mecca is home to approximately 1.4 million Muslims officially attending the pilgrimage, with more expected to arrive as the event approaches. Overcrowding can lead to dangerous situations, especially with the extreme summer heat that has historically impacted pilgrims, increasing the urgency for Saudi authorities to enforce regulations more rigorously. The severity of the measures taken includes imposing fines of up to $5,000 for unauthorized participants and the potential for deportation. In addition to the expulsions, over 23,000 Saudi residents have faced penalties for violating Hajj regulations. This crackdown is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia’s government to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims amid concerns over compliance with the existing laws governing the pilgrimage. The officials have also indicated that enforcement actions will include revoking the licenses of Hajj companies facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages. Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari highlighted the government’s commitment to monitoring all pilgrims closely, stating, "The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands." This message reflects a firm approach to uphold the integrity of the pilgrimage, which is considered a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation for Muslims capable of undertaking it. As authorities utilize new methods, such as drone surveillance, to monitor the Hajj, the focus remains on preventing both overcrowding and the related fatalities that have historically plagued the event.