Saudi Arabia Blocks Over 269,000 Unauthorized Pilgrims Ahead of Haj
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Authorities in Saudi Arabia have turned back more than 269,000 individuals attempting to enter Mecca without official permits ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, according to a statement by the Interior Ministry.
The enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to manage crowd control and uphold safety protocols during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, which draws millions of faithful from around the world.
The Interior Ministry emphasized that the crackdown targets both foreign nationals and Saudi residents trying to perform the Hajj without proper authorisation, a requirement put in place to prevent dangerous overcrowding.
> “Fines of up to $5,000, deportation for foreigners, and other legal consequences will be enforced against violators,” the ministry warned.
In addition to turning away unauthorized pilgrims, the government has:
Penalised over 23,000 residents for breaking Hajj rules,
Revoked licences of more than 400 Hajj service providers found violating regulations.
Saudi authorities have stepped up surveillance and deployed thousands of security personnel at key checkpoints in and around Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina as part of their strict permit verification strategy.
The clampdown underscores the kingdom’s push to ensure an orderly, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj for those who meet the eligibility and permit criteria.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to attract more than two million pilgrims this year. Only those with approved Hajj visas or official permits are allowed into Mecca during the sacred period.
