Hajj 2025: Why Saudi Arabia stopped nearly 2.7 lakh Muslims from entering Mecca

Muslims from across the globe have gathered in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca for Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Over the next few days, they will take part in rituals and prayers that have been followed for more than 1,400 years.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have reportedly stopped over 2,69,000 people from entering Mecca for the annual pilgrimage.

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This was part of a broader effort to stop unauthorised travel to the holy city.

So, why were so many people turned away from Mecca?

We answer this question and explain the new Hajj rules in this explainer.

Why 2.7 lakh Muslims were stopped from entering Mecca for Hajj

Saudi authorities have blocked nearly 2.7 lakh people from entering Mecca for Hajj this year, as part of a large-scale crackdown on unauthorised pilgrims, according to an Associated Press report released on Sunday.

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Officials said that the action is aimed at easing overcrowding and ensuring the safety of those attending the pilgrimage.

The government has blamed last year’s deaths during Hajj, many of which occurred during intense summer heat, on those who did not have official permits.

The figure of 2,69,678 people stopped shows just how many attempt the pilgrimage without permission.

Currently, around 1.4 million officially registered pilgrims are in Mecca, and more are expected in the coming days, the report said.

Speaking at a press conference in Mecca, officials clarified that only pilgrims with valid permits are allowed to take part in Hajj, even if they are local residents.

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Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari said, “The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”

The strict measures come in the wake of last year’s tragedy, when over 1,300 people died during the Hajj. Saudi authorities said many of them were unauthorised pilgrims who had walked long distances under extreme heat to complete the rituals.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel stated that 83% of the 1,301 deaths were among those without permits.

$5,000 fine for violators, no children under 12: What are the new rules for Hajj 2025?

As pilgrims prepare to face the intense heat and large crowds of the Hajj, Saudi authorities have introduced several new rules this year, including a ban on children under 12 and tighter restrictions on unauthorised entry.

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Last year, temperatures soared to 47 degrees Celsius, making conditions extremely harsh. Many pilgrims struggled under the burning sun. This year, officials have advised avoiding direct sunlight during the day and keeping heads covered unless performing specific rituals.

One of the major changes for 2025 is the ban on children under 12 from attending the Hajj. Saudi authorities say this is a safety precaution, given the dense crowds and challenging environment.

With limited Hajj slots available, many still try to find alternate routes into Mecca. In April, Saudi Arabia suspended short-term visa issuance for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt, to curb unauthorised travel during Hajj.

Previously, many entered Mecca on tourist or short-term visas without official Hajj approval. Authorities say most of those who died in last year’s extreme heat were unregistered and had no access to air-conditioned facilities reserved for permitted pilgrims.

In May, the Interior Ministry announced a penalty of up to 20,000 riyals (around $5,330) for anyone trying to enter Mecca without the correct visa during the Hajj period.

To improve safety, the civil defence department has also deployed drones to monitor crowds, conduct surveillance, and support firefighting efforts during this year’s pilgrimage.

How many Indians will miss Hajj this year?

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is a key religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it.

This year, more than 42,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to miss the pilgrimage after Saudi Arabia cancelled over 52,000 slots originally allocated for Indians, according to reports.

Following intervention by the Indian government, Saudi Arabia allowed private operators to send 10,000 pilgrims, a number which is much lower than the total allocation.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) said on April 15 that India’s quota has grown over the years, from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025.

Of the 1,75,025 slots for 2025, 1,22,518 were assigned to the Haj Committee of India, which operates under the Minority Affairs Ministry. The rest were given to private tour operators.

Over 800 of these operators were merged into 26 Consolidated Hajj Group Organisers (CHGOs) by the ministry.

With inputs from agencies