Mecca: Saudi authorities said that they had barred more than 269,000 people without official Hajj permits from entering Mecca. The move was part of a large-scale security operation aimed at controlling crowds and preventing unauthorized participation in the annual pilgrimage.
Officials said that unauthorized pilgrims were a major contributor to last year’s Hajj-related deaths, which were largely attributed to heat exhaustion and a lack of proper accommodation and services.
“The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands,” Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari said.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. The pilgrimage draws more than two million people annually from across the world. So far this year, 1.4 million pilgrims with permits have arrived in Mecca, with more expected in the coming days.
However, Saudi officials say a growing number of people attempt to bypass the official system to attend, especially residents and citizens without permits. Penalties for violations include fines of up to $5,000, deportation for expatriates, and bans on re-entry.
Authorities also reported imposing penalties on over 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoking the licenses of 400 Hajj-related companies for failing to comply with the rules.
This year’s Hajj will also see expanded use of drones for surveillance, crowd control, and even firefighting, according to the Civil Defense. The move comes as Saudi Arabia braces for extreme summer temperatures and works to avoid tragedies seen in past years, including stampedes and heat-related fatalities.
The government has intensified efforts to regulate Hajj access following past incidents linked to overcrowding and unregistered pilgrims. Officials are urging those intending to perform the pilgrimage to follow legal procedures and obtain permits through proper channels.
