Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia denies permission to 269678 Muslims from entering Mecca, imposes penalties on…, revokes licenses of…

Mecca: Authorities in Saudi Arabia are cracking down on illegal journeys to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage after a larger number of deaths last year due to extreme summer heat. Saudi Arabia has barred more than 269,000 unauthorized individuals from entering Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The government holds unauthorized pilgrims responsible for overcrowding during Hajj.

The number of expulsions highlights the scale of unauthorised pilgrimages, as well as the demand to perform the Hajj. There are currently an estimated 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.

1.4 Million Muslims Arrive in Mecca

Around 1.4 million Muslims have arrived in Mecca so far, according to the officials. Anyone attempting to perform Hajj without official permission may face penalties, including a fine of up to 5,000 US dollars and other punitive actions such as deportation.

At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering. Only permit holders are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round. Officials have also imposed penalties on more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj companies.

Fines Imposed on Saudi Residents as Well

The officials have added that they prevented 269,678 Muslims without proper permits from entering the city. According to regulations, only those with valid permits are allowed to perform Hajj, even if they have been residing in the city for a year. Authorities have fined more than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj rules and have revoked the licenses of 400 companies involved in Hajj-related services.

Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. This period falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, although the exact timing may vary slightly based on the lunar cycle.

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