MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has stopped greater than 269,000 individuals with out permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from getting into Mecca, officers mentioned Sunday, as authorities crack down on unlawful journeys into town.
The federal government blames overcrowding on the Hajj on unauthorized individuals. It additionally says they made up massive numbers of those who died in last year’s searing summer heat.
The variety of expulsions highlights the dimensions of unauthorized pilgrimages — in addition to the demand to carry out the Hajj. There are presently 1.4 million Muslims in Mecca formally, with extra anticipated to reach within the days to come back.
There are fines of as much as $5,000 and different punitive measures, like deportation, for anybody performing the Hajj with out a allow. The coverage consists of residents and people with Saudi residency.
At a press convention in Mecca, officers mentioned they’d stopped 269,678 individuals with out permits from getting into town. Based on the principles, solely these with permits are allowed to carry out the pilgrimage, even when they live in the city year-round.
Officers have additionally imposed penalties on greater than 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj laws and revoked the licenses of 400 Hajj firms.
Lieutenant Normal Mohammed Al-Omari instructed the media: “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anybody who disobeys is in our arms.”
The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and includes a collection of non secular rituals. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for each Muslim who can afford it and is bodily in a position to do it.
However it has been marred in recent times by concerns about extreme temperatures, with pilgrims performing their rituals outside in peak daylight.
Traditionally, deaths should not unusual on the Hajj, which has seen at occasions over 2 million individuals journey to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. It has additionally seen deadly stampedes and other accidents.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Protection mentioned Sunday that drones have been getting used for the primary time on the Hajj. These can be utilized for surveillance and monitoring, in addition to extinguishing fires.