Saudi Arabia cracks down on unauthorized Hajj pilgrims to curb heat-related deaths

Saudi Arabia has barred more than 269,000 individuals without official permits from entering Mecca ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, as part of a broader campaign to prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of heat-related fatalities.

Authorities said 269,678 people lacking the required documentation were turned away in recent days, highlighting the scale of unauthorised attempts to join the pilgrimage, Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.

The crackdown, announced at a press conference in Mecca on June 1, underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to enforce stricter Hajj regulations, particularly following last year’s fatalities during an intense summer heatwave. Many of those who died in 2024 were among those without official permits, officials noted.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari, speaking at the briefing, said, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands,” reaffirming the state’s determination to uphold order during the annual pilgrimage.

So far, over 1.4 million pilgrims with official approval have arrived in Mecca, with more expected in the coming days. The Hajj, a five-day series of sacred Islamic rituals and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims able to undertake the journey, regularly draws more than two million participants.

The Saudi government has long sought to manage the logistical and safety challenges that come with such large crowds, particularly as pilgrims perform many of the rites outdoors in high temperatures.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that fines of up to $5,000 and possible deportation await those caught performing the Hajj without authorisation. This includes Saudi citizens and legal residents. In addition, over 23,000 residents have already been penalised for breaking Hajj rules, and the government has revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service providers found to be in breach of regulations.

To bolster safety and crowd control, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence announced the deployment of drones for the first time at the Hajj. These will be used to monitor pilgrim movements, conduct surveillance, and support emergency services, including fire response.

By Aghakazim Guliyev