International Mecca: Authorities take strict action against unauthorized pilgrims

Before the start of the Muslim pilgrimage Hajj, security forces in Mecca are taking mass action against unauthorized pilgrims. Authorities have banned around 270,000 people from entering Mecca because they were not officially authorized, according to the pilgrimage security committee. In addition, more than 400 illegally operating Hajj companies were discovered and more than 5,000 vehicles that were supposed to bring unauthorized pilgrims to the holy sites.

Keystone-SDA

01.06.2025, 18:05

SDA

The Hajj is expected to begin next Wednesday this year. So far, almost 1.5 million people have traveled from abroad alone. Last year, around 1.8 million people took part. For many Muslims worldwide, the Hajj is one of the most important religious experiences of life and is also one of the five basic duties in Islam.

Because the cost for a pilgrim from abroad can be the equivalent of 5,000 euros or significantly more, some try to get to Mecca unofficially. They enter the country as tourists and then visit the holy sites in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage without the required Hajj permit. Locals also try to take part in the pilgrimage without permission.