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Marrakech – Saudi Arabian authorities have barred hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from entering Mecca, and cleared out many more within the city, as part of preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is set to begin on June 14.
The move comes as part of the kingdom’s efforts to manage the massive crowds that gather for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), security forces turned away 153,998 foreigners who had traveled to Mecca on tourist visas rather than the required Hajj visas.
Additionally, 171,587 individuals based in Saudi Arabia, but not residing in Mecca, were also removed from the holy city due to a lack of proper Hajj permits.
The Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims, drew over 1.8 million participants last year. The rituals, which span at least four days, take place in Mecca and its surroundings in western Saudi Arabia.
Many pilgrims attempt to complete the rites through unofficial channels due to the high costs and limited quotas associated with obtaining formal permits and travel packages.
As of Saturday, more than 1.3 million registered pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, according to Mecca regional authorities.
The kingdom, home to the holiest shrines in Islam, is taking stringent measures to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims during the sacred event.
In a letter addressed to Moroccan pilgrims embarking on the Hajj this year, King Mohammed VI called upon them to be “worthy ambassadors of your country.”
The monarch urged the pilgrims to represent Morocco’s radiant image and honorably uphold its values, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, active solidarity, and adherence to the measures implemented by Saudi authorities.
The first group of Moroccan pilgrims, comprising 1,380 individuals, arrived in Medina on the morning of May 24.
This year, a total of 34,000 Moroccan pilgrims are expected to participate in Hajj, with 22,500 under the supervision of the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs and 11,500 supervised by independent travel agencies.
Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, stated that 78 flights departing from Morocco are scheduled for this year’s pilgrimage, with the last outbound flight due on June 10 and return flights spanning from June 20 to July 8.
The pilgrims will be guided by a contingent of 738 administrators, ulemas (Islamic scholars), doctors, and media professionals, including 520 supervisors.
Read also: Minister Toufiq Outlines Measures to Ensure Success of Moroccans’ Hajj Journey
