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Saudi authorities have barred over 269,000 individuals from entering Makkah without the required permits ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, officials announced on Sunday. The move is part of tightened efforts to manage crowds and prevent repeat tragedies linked to unauthorised pilgrims.
Authorities say permit violations have historically contributed to overcrowding, often leading to fatalities. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died, many of them unregistered, as temperatures soared to a record 51.8°C.
As Hajj officially begins this week, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported it has already treated 44 cases of heatstroke, with 1.4 million pilgrims having arrived in the kingdom so far. Although extreme temperatures are not forecast to reach last year’s peak, they are expected to exceed 40°C during the pilgrimage.
Deputy Health Minister Abdullah Asiri told AFP that officials were preparing for the “worst-case scenario.” “The focus is on heat-related illnesses because the Hajj coincides with extreme temperatures,” he said.
In anticipation of potential health emergencies, the ministry has mobilised 50,000 medical and administrative personnel and allocated over 700 hospital beds equipped with ventilators for critical cases.
Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars and is a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The pilgrimage this year coincides with Eid al-Adha, which will be observed on 6 June. The holiday commemorates the Quranic account of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command.
As Saudi Arabia enforces stricter regulations and boosts health infrastructure, officials are urging pilgrims to comply with safety measures to ensure a secure and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
