Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia prevents 269,678 illegal Muslim pilgrims from entering Mecca

Saudi authorities said a total of 269,678 illegal Muslim Pilgrims attempting to participate in this year's Hajj exercise have been prevented from entering Mecca.

According to the officials, those prevented are without valid permit to take part in the spiritual exercise.

The move, according to them, is part of a broader effort to control overcrowding and ensure safety during the annual Islamic ritual.

Interior Minister, Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari, told the media, that Fines of up to $5,000 and possible deportation have been imposed on violators.

Al-Omari explained that the authorities have penalised over 23,000 residents for breaking Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service providers.

The Minister added that strict enforcement came amid growing concerns about the impact of unauthorised pilgrims on public safety.

According to him, the measure targets both foreign nationals and Saudi residents attempting to perform Hajj without authorisation.

“The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands”.

Recall Currently, approximately 1.4 million pilgrims with permits are in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.