Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to prevent unauthorised participation in the annual hajj pilgrimage, a year after extreme heat led to the deaths of over a thousand pilgrims, most of whom were unregistered.
The kingdom is deploying drones, increasing police raids, and sending out constant alerts as part of a national campaign to enforce the rule that only those with official permits may take part in the pilgrimage. Slogans such as “No hajj without a permit” are now a common sight, displayed on billboards, in shopping centres, and across all forms of media.
Last year’s hajj saw 1,301 deaths, with temperatures reaching a staggering 51.8°C (125.2°F). Saudi officials have stated that 83 percent of those who died lacked official hajj permits and therefore missed out on vital support such as air-conditioned transport and shelter.
One organiser, who wished to remain anonymous, said that since the end of last year’s pilgrimage, preventing unauthorised worshippers has been a top priority. The hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars, and Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform it at least once in their lifetime. However, due to a quota system, permits are limited and distributed via a lottery, making the costly official route unaffordable for many. As a result, some pilgrims opt for cheaper, unofficial alternatives.
Security Measures Unprecedented
Saudi authorities are now using drones to monitor access routes into Mecca, while security forces have launched hundreds of raids to locate unregistered visitors. One Egyptian resident in Mecca said police had twice visited his home demanding to see identification. “There’s a massive security presence everywhere,” he said.
The issue has become more pressing since Saudi Arabia began loosening visa rules to boost tourism and business. Many people have entered using family or tourist visas, circumventing the strict hajj entry system.
In response, Saudi Arabia has restricted multi-entry visas for several countries and banned the use of tourist and family visas for nationals of more than 10 countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Dr Umar Karim of the University of Birmingham noted that while past efforts focused on discouraging unauthorised pilgrims, the new measures are more aggressive. “Once people are inside Saudi Arabia, it’s incredibly difficult to stop them entering Mecca, even with heavy policing,” he said.
For the last month, only individuals with valid work or residency permits have been allowed to enter Mecca. Many residents have been forced to relocate family members who lack proper documentation. Even those performing umrah — the non-mandatory pilgrimage — have been asked to leave the city ahead of the hajj.
Fines, Bans, and Fewer Crowds
Penalties have also been increased. Anyone caught attempting the hajj without a permit now faces a 20,000 riyal (£4,200) fine and a 10-year entry ban. Those who assist or hide unauthorised pilgrims could be fined up to 100,000 riyals (£21,000).
Officials claim the stricter approach is already having an effect. Locals report noticeably thinner crowds in Mecca compared to previous years. Nevertheless, over one million authorised pilgrims have already arrived in the country for this year’s hajj.
Last year’s tragedy highlighted the growing threat of extreme heat. The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed 2024 as the hottest year on record. Although the lunar-based Islamic calendar means the hajj will eventually fall in cooler months, scientists warn that this relief will be short-lived. A 2019 study predicted that, due to climate change, pilgrims will face “extreme danger” heat conditions between 2047–2052 and again from 2079–2086.