Saudi Arabia Stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj Permits From Entering Mecca

By BARAA ANWER MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia has blocked more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, authorities said Sunday, as it cracked down on illegal travel to the city. The government blames overcrowding at the hajj on unauthorized participation. It also says these people accounted for a large number of those who died in last summer's scorching heat. The number of expulsions highl…

Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca

Saudi Arabia has stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city.

The Hajj begins on Wednesday. In the previous year there were temperatures of more than 50 degrees, more than 1300 pilgrims died. Most were not registered.

Saudi Arabia tightens Haj rules after heat-related deaths

Applies strict policy of "no Haj without permit"; deploys drones to spot unregistered pilgrims; hundreds of apartments raided.

No permit, no hajj, says Saudi Arabia

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia is ramping up a crackdown on unregistered worshippers at next week’s hajj pilgrimage, a year after hundreds perished in scorching conditions.

No permit, no hajj: Saudi intensifies crackdown after heat deaths

Saudi Arabia is ramping up a crackdown on unregistered worshippers at next week's hajj pilgrimage, a year after hundreds perished in scorching conditions.Regular raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts are aimed at rooting out unauthorised visitors hoping to mingle among the crowds in and around the holy city of Mecca.The simple message, "No hajj without a permit", is being blared out in a relentless campaign promoted nationwide a…