WEBDESK: As Hajj 2025 approaches, Saudi Arabia has announced strict new measures to prevent unregistered pilgrims from taking part in the annual pilgrimage. This move comes after more than 1,300 unauthorised pilgrims died during Hajj 2024, mostly due to extreme heat.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia are now reinforcing a clear message: “No Hajj without a permit.” To support this, the government has launched awareness campaigns through media channels and social platforms to educate people about the new rules for Hajj 2025.
One of the key steps includes using drone surveillance to identify and stop people without proper documentation. Security teams have already raided hundreds of apartments in Makkah to remove those trying to stay illegally.
Official permits are allocated to countries through a quota system and distributed to individuals via a lottery. Even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs make the irregular route – which costs thousands of dollars less – more attractive.
Saudi officials said 83 per cent of those who died last year did not have official Haj permits. Temperatures of up to 44C are forecast next week.
Fines and bans for Hajj 2025
The penalties for performing Hajj without official permission have also increased. Fines have been doubled, and those caught without a permit now face a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia. These measures aim to reduce overcrowding and ensure safety during Hajj 2025.
In another step, Saudi Arabia has placed temporary visa restrictions on several countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Jordan. Family and tourist visa holders from these countries will not be allowed to stay in Makkah or nearby areas during Hajj 2025.
Meanwhile, fines for performing Haj illegally have doubled to 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,333), with violators facing a 10-year ban from the country.
Those found to be harbouring and helping unauthorised pilgrims can be fined up to 100,000 riyals ($26,666).
“All of this is aimed at ensuring that Makkah is reserved exclusively for authorised pilgrims during the Haj season,” the official added.
The goal of these changes is to better manage the large number of pilgrims expected this year and avoid tragedies caused by extreme weather, such as the scorching heat that affected Hajj 2024. Officials say the rules are necessary to protect the lives of those attending Hajj 2025.
