Saudi authorities have denied entry to nearly 270,000 pilgrims attempting to perform Hajj without official permission, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP).
Saudi Hajj officials stated that the decision was made to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from entering Makkah, especially after last year’s intense heat led to a number of unexpected deaths among pilgrims. So far, 269,678 individuals without valid Hajj permits have been turned away from the holy city.
The Saudi government explained that the influx of unpermitted pilgrims creates overcrowding in Makkah. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and congestion. In an effort to avoid similar tragedies this year, authorities are taking strict measures to limit the number of people entering the city illegally.
Currently, there are at least 1.4 million pilgrims in Makkah, and the number is expected to rise as the main Hajj rituals approach.
Saudi Arabia enforces a fine of $5,000 and other penalties for attempting to perform Hajj without a permit. These regulations apply not only to foreign pilgrims but also to Saudi citizens.
In a press conference held in Makkah on Sunday, officials emphasized, “Even Saudi nationals must obtain permission to perform Hajj. So far, more than 23,000 Saudi citizens have been fined for planning to perform Hajj without authorization. In addition, licenses of 400 Hajj agencies have been revoked.”
While deaths during Hajj are not uncommon due to various factors, this year, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense announced that drones will be used for the first time to assist in crowd monitoring and fire control as part of pilgrim safety efforts.
Hajj is held annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah each year to perform the pilgrimage, which involves a series of religious rituals completed in stages.