Over 250,000 People Blocked from Mecca For Hajj Without Permits

This week, Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people from going into Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage because they didn’t have the right permits.

Hajj is a very important religious trip for Muslims, and millions of people from all over the world go each year. The Saudi government is trying to avoid dangerous overcrowding.

In the past, huge crowds in Mecca have led to deadly stampedes and heat-related deaths. To keep things safe this year, officials are being extra strict. Back in May, they also limited certain types of visas and even banned people from 14 mostly Arab countries from getting Hajj visas. So far, about 1.5 million people from outside Saudi Arabia are officially taking part in Hajj this year.

Local people are going too, but the exact number hasn’t been shared.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has been warning people not to enter Mecca without a Hajj permit. They even started a hashtag in Arabic that means “No Hajj without a permit.” If someone is caught trying to sneak in without the proper paperwork, they could be fined up to 20,000 riyals, which is about $5,300.

This isn’t the first time Saudi Arabia has blocked people from entering Mecca during Hajj. Last year, they stopped nearly 300,000 people who didn’t have permits.

The country is also putting other rules in place to keep people safe. For example, children under 12 are not allowed to go this year. With millions of people all in one place, it’s super important to keep the crowds under control and avoid any dangerous situations. The message is clear: if you want to go to Mecca for Hajj, you need to follow the rules and get the right permit. Saudi Arabia wants to make sure everyone has a safe and peaceful pilgrimage.