Mecca, Saudi Arabia – Saudi authorities have blocked more than 269,000 individuals without official Hajj permits from entering Mecca ahead of the 2025 pilgrimage, in a sweeping crackdown aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims.

The Saudi Interior Ministry, in a statement reported by Al Arabiya and the Associated Press, said the action targets both foreign nationals and Saudi residents who attempted to enter the holy city without the required authorization. The ministry confirmed that violators now face fines of up to $5,000 and, in some cases, deportation.

In a press briefing held in Mecca, Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach. “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands,” he stated.

The authorities have also penalized over 23,000 residents for breaching Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of approximately 400 service providers accused of facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages.

The clampdown comes amid heightened concerns about public safety, particularly in light of previous tragedies involving unregistered pilgrims. According to officials, many fatalities during last year’s Hajj, exacerbated by extreme heat, involved individuals who lacked permits and were therefore outside the scope of organized medical and emergency services.

Currently, around 1.4 million registered pilgrims are already in Mecca, with more expected in the days ahead. This year’s Hajj is being conducted under intense heat, further raising safety considerations.

In a move to bolster monitoring and emergency response, Saudi Civil Defence has, for the first time, deployed drones across the pilgrimage zones. These drones will aid in crowd surveillance, situational awareness, and even fire response, as part of broader technological interventions being introduced during the Hajj.

Under Saudi regulations, even residents of Mecca must obtain official permits to participate in the pilgrimage. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking it.

As the pilgrimage unfolds, authorities have reiterated that strict compliance with the permit system is non-negotiable, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to a safe and orderly Hajj.