Saudi Arabia has detained and turned back more than 295,000 people attempting to perform Hajj with fake permits, security forces revealed recently.
This strict enforcement is part of a renewed campaign by Saudi authorities to ensure that only pilgrims with official permits participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The move follows last year’s tragic disaster when over 1,300 pilgrims, many without permits, died amid extreme heat.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires all able Muslims to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it. The Saudi government issues permits based on a quota system allocated to countries. Pilgrims receive their permits through lotteries or official channels.
To prevent unregistered worshippers from mixing with authorized pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has launched a widespread crackdown involving regular raids, drone surveillance, and text message alerts warning pilgrims of the strict permit rules.
“No Hajj without a permit” has been the clear and repeated message across Saudi Arabia. It has been promoted heavily in shopping centres, on billboards, and through media campaigns nationwide to discourage unauthorized entries.
Despite these efforts, many still try to enter the holy city with fake documents. Security forces continue to detect and detain thousands every day during the pilgrimage period. Those caught are immediately sent back.
The Saudi crackdown comes a year after one of the deadliest Hajj tragedies on record. In 2024, temperatures soared to a scorching 51.8°C (125.2°F), causing the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims. Most of those who died were unregistered, without access to proper facilities like air-conditioned tents and transportation.
According to the AFP news agency, Saudi officials confirmed that 83 percent of the victims did not have official Hajj permits. Many had tried to avoid the official, costly routes by seeking cheaper and irregular ways to join the pilgrimage, risking their safety in the process.
Saudi authorities have also staged large-scale military exercises and security parades in Makkah this year, demonstrating their readiness to protect the millions of pilgrims expected for Hajj 2025. These exercises aim to ensure smooth crowd control, prevent unauthorized entries, and provide quick responses to emergencies.
The permit system is designed to manage the millions of worshippers who travel to Makkah yearly, ensuring the pilgrimage is safe and orderly. However, the high cost of official permits drives some pilgrims to seek unofficial routes, increasing risks and straining security efforts.
For Nigeria and other countries, permits are allocated through their respective Hajj commissions, which manage the selection and distribution to intending pilgrims. Nigerian pilgrims are reminded to always secure their permits through official channels to avoid being denied access or sent back.
As Saudi Arabia intensifies its measures, the focus remains on protecting the lives of pilgrims and preventing a repeat of last year’s tragedy. The message is clear: Hajj without a permit is not allowed, and all pilgrims must comply with the rules to ensure their safety during this sacred journey.
