Srinagar,June 02 (KNS) : Saudi authorities have stopped more than 269,000 people without valid Hajj permits from entering the holy city of Mecca, officials announced on Sunday, ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

At a press briefing, officials said 269,678 individuals were denied access for lacking the required documentation. The move comes as part of efforts to manage crowds and ensure safety during the pilgrimage.

Authorities also penalised over 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj service companies. “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands,” said Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Omari, warning that violators face fines of up to $5,000, deportation, and other penalties.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Only those with official permits are allowed to perform Hajj—even Mecca residents must be registered. Officials say unregistered pilgrims contributed to overcrowding and heat-related deaths during previous pilgrimages.

Currently, about 1.4 million registered pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, with more expected in the coming days. For the first time, Civil Defence teams are using drones to monitor crowds, enhance safety, and even put out fires.

The five-day pilgrimage draws millions each year and includes a series of rituals. Saudi Arabia has tightened access rules to prevent accidents, including fatal stampedes and heatstroke cases linked to overcrowding.(KNS)