1 day ago
Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 20:48 IST
Saudi Arabia blocked nearly 270,000 Muslims from entering Mecca for Hajj to manage crowds and ensure safety. Unauthorized access was a key factor in last year's fatalities.
To discourage unauthorised participation in Hajj pilgrimage, strict measures, including fines up to $5,000, deportation, and other penalties, have been put in place. (AP photo)
In an attempt of efficient crowd management, authorities in Saudi Arabia have halted entry of nearly 2,70,000 people to Mecca ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage. This was also done to rule out any safety risks at the site of holy pilgrimage.
By Sunday, around 1.4 million officially registered pilgrims arrived in Mecca, with more entries expected in the coming days.
Nearly 2.7 Lakh Pilgrims Stopped From Entering Mecca
The move to restrict entries of pilgrims to Mecca is being seen as part of a sweeping crackdown on unauthorised access, news agency AP, citing sources, reported. The Saudi government indicated towards unauthorised participants as a key factor behind last year’s heat-related fatalities.
Notably, Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most sacred obligations in Islam.
$5,000 Fine For Violators
To discourage unauthorised participation in Hajj pilgrimage, strict measures, including fines up to $5,000, deportation, and other penalties, have been put in place. The rules are applicable to all, including Saudi citizens and residents.
Addressing a press conference in Mecca, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari shared details on the scale of enforcement efforts, saying, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands."
Over 23,000 residents have already been penalised for breaking Hajj regulations, and licenses have been revoked from 400 Hajj service companies, officials said.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a five-day series of religious rites in Mecca. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially sound to undertake the pilgrimage. In recent years, extreme weather condition and safety concerns have cast a shadow over the holy event.
To enhance safety measures, Saudi Arabia’s civil defense announced the deployment of drones at this year’s pilgrimage to assist in surveillance, crowd monitoring, and even fire extinguishing.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
First Published:News world Why Saudi Arabia Restricted Entry Of Nearly 270,000 Hajj Pilgrims to Mecca?
