Saudi Arabia Bars 269,000 Unauthorised Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabian authorities have barred over 269,000 individuals without official Hajj permits from entering Mecca this year to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during the annual pilgrimage. Permanent checkpoints have been established, with fines up to $5,300 and over 1,200 arrests made for transporting unauthorized pilgrims, alongside the closure of more than 400 fake Hajj offices and the impounding of thousands of vehicles. The government is emphasizing permit enforcement following past incidents of deadly stampedes and heat-related deaths, with high temperatures this year raising further health concerns. Technological measures, including drones and artificial intelligence, are being used for crowd monitoring and surveillance. Penalties for violators have increased, including deportation, and authorities have urged pilgrims to leave promptly after Hajj. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain order and protect the safety and sanctity of the pilgrimage.