02.06.2025 10:03
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior announced that over 75,000 individuals were sent back for violating pilgrimage regulations as part of the controls conducted against "unauthorized Hajj."
According to a report by the Saudi Arabian official news agency SPA, Major General Muhammad al-Bassami, the Director of Public Security under the Ministry of Interior, held a press conference in Mecca.
Bassami reported that approximately 270,000 individuals with a session but without a Hajj permit were not allowed into the Holy City of Mecca, and that 75,943 people were sent back for violating Hajj regulations. He also stated that they identified 252 fake Hajj organizations, 1,239 illegal carriers, and more than 109,000 unauthorized vehicles.
STRICT SECURITY MEASURES
Authorities announced that advanced technology systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles, AI-supported analysis systems, and surveillance cameras, have been deployed to ensure security during this year's Hajj season.
Major General Muhammad al-Umri, Commander of the Special Forces under the State Security Presidency, expressed that detailed plans have been implemented on the ground to prevent unauthorized entries into the holy sites and to manage crowds safely. Lieutenant General Hamud al-Ferc, Director General of Civil Defense, announced that for the first time this year, special drones named "Sakr (Falcon)" will be used in firefighting and rescue operations.
NEARLY 1.5 MILLION PILGRIMS HAVE ARRIVED
Lieutenant General Salih al-Murabba, Director General of the Passport Department, stated that the number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has exceeded 1 million 475 thousand so far, ahead of the 2025 Hajj season. Saudi Arabia also welcomed the first group of 500 pilgrims, including relatives of Palestinian martyrs, prisoners, and the injured, as part of King Salman's special guest program from the West Bank. A total of 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims will be hosted under the program.