Saudi Arabia has stopped more than 269,000 individuals without official permits from entering Mecca ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Reports by AlArabiya and AP said that measure was part of an effort to control overcrowding and ensure safety during the annual Hajj operation.
The Interior Ministry said the measure targets both foreigner nationals and Saudi residents who wanted to perform Hajj without permission.
Violators have been fined up to $5,000 and possibly deported.
Also, the authorities have sanctioned over 23,000 residents for breaking Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service providers.
Saudi Arabia officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering Mecca.
The rules only permit those are allowed to perform the pilgrimage, even if they live in the city year-round.
Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Omari told the media, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”
The enforcement was sequel to growing concerns over the negative attitudes of unauthorised pilgrims on public safety.
Last year, many of those who died during extreme summer heat were found to be unregistered participants, according to government sources.
Currently, approximately 1.4 million pilgrims with permits are in Mecca, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.
