Key Points
- Saudi Arabia has blocked more than 269,600 people without valid Hajj permits from entering Mecca to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
- Permit requirements apply to all, including local residents and Saudi citizens living in Mecca.
- Violators face fines up to $5,000 and possible deportation; over 23,000 locals have already been fined, and 400 Hajj company licenses have been revoked.
- The crackdown follows deadly incidents in 2024 attributed to unregistered pilgrims and extreme heat.
- Hajj draws over 2 million Muslims annually, with numbers expected to rise in the coming days.
Riyadh: In a sweeping move to manage crowd safety and prevent tragedies during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabian authorities have barred more than 269,600 individuals from entering Mecca for Hajj 2025 due to lack of official permits. The decision comes as the government intensifies efforts to enforce strict crowd control measures following deadly incidents in recent years.
Permit Rule Applies to All Locals Included
Saudi officials have clarified that the Hajj permit rule is not limited to international pilgrims. Even local residents, including Saudi citizens living in Mecca year-round, are required to obtain a permit to participate in the pilgrimage. This universal enforcement aims to prevent unauthorized gatherings that have historically contributed to overcrowding and safety risks.
So far, more than 23,000 Saudi nationals have been fined for attempting to perform Hajj without the necessary documentation. In addition, the government has cancelled the licenses of 400 Hajj travel agencies found violating regulations.
Heavy Penalties and Deportation for Violators
The consequences for breaking Hajj permit rules are severe. Pilgrims caught without a valid permit can face fines of up to $5,000 and deportation. These measures are designed to deter unauthorized participation and ensure that only those with proper arrangements can enter Mecca during the pilgrimage period.
Lessons from Past Tragedies
The crackdown is a direct response to the tragic events of Hajj 2024, when many unauthorized pilgrims often lacking official support or accommodation contributed to dangerous overcrowding. That year, extreme summer heat and stampedes led to numerous deaths, prompting Saudi authorities to tighten regulations and enforcement for subsequent pilgrimages.
Hajj 2025: Rising Numbers and Heightened Vigilance
Currently, Mecca is hosting around 1.4 million Muslims, but this figure is expected to swell as the five-day Hajj approaches. Each year, more than 2 million Muslims from around the world converge on Mecca to perform the pilgrimage, a religious obligation for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims.
With the summer heat intensifying and the risk of stampedes ever-present, Saudi officials are urging all pilgrims to follow official procedures and obtain the required permits. The government’s strict stance aims to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling for all participants.
Saudi Arabia has blocked over 269,600 unauthorized individuals from entering Mecca for Hajj 2025, enforcing strict permit requirements to prevent overcrowding and repeat tragedies. The crackdown includes heavy fines, deportations, and the cancellation of hundreds of agency licenses, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to safety as millions prepare for the annual pilgrimage.
