ARAFAT: Saudi Arabia has intensified the enforcement of Hajj permit regulations this year, barring individuals without official permits from entering Makkah to ensure that authorized pilgrims can fully benefit from the Kingdom’s services and facilities.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that security forces had been deployed across all key access points to Makkah to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the city in the days leading up to Hajj. The intensified measures come in response to longstanding concerns over the strain placed on infrastructure and essential services by unauthorized pilgrims.

The Ministry of Interior outlined a comprehensive security and organizational plan to ensure a safe and smooth 2025 Hajj season.

By ensuring that only authorized individuals enter Makkah during the Hajj season, the Kingdom aims to maintain public health, optimize crowd control and uphold the spiritual integrity of the pilgrimage.

In a recent press conference, held ahead of Hajj, the Kingdom detailed preparations aligned with the directives of Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud. The strategy covers public safety, crowd and traffic control, and emergency responses throughout the pilgrims’ journey.

Authorities reported the dismantling of 252 fake Hajj campaigns, the arrest of 1,239 illegal transporters, and the return of 269,678 non-residents of Makkah, 75,943 unauthorized pilgrims and 109,632 vehicles. An additional 11,610 individuals were found violating residency, labor and border laws.

The move is part of a broader effort by authorities to safeguard the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure the safety and comfort of registered pilgrims.

The MoI has repeatedly said that individuals caught attempting to perform Hajj with no valid Hajj permit will face a fine of SR20,000 (more than $5,300), with enforcement in effect from April 29 to June 10.

The ministry warned that foreign nationals found in violation would, in addition to the financial penalty, be deported to their home countries and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for ten years.

The ministry also confirmed that a financial penalty of up to SR100,000 would be imposed on anyone who transported holders of visit visas or attempted to transport them with the intent of bringing them to the city of Makkah or the holy sites during the same period.

The ministry added it would request the competent court to confiscate any land transport vehicle proven to have been used for this purpose if owned by the transporter, an accomplice or any party found to be involved.

In previous years, emergency rooms in Makkah hospitals were often overwhelmed with medical cases involving individuals who entered the city without valid Hajj permits. Many lacked access to official accommodation and transportation, resulting in overcrowding not only in emergency facilities but also in the Grand Mosque and the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat — areas whose capacity is topographically constrained.

Pilgrims have voiced their support for the tightened rules. In previous seasons, illegal pilgrims strained logistical operations, including food distribution, transportation schedules and accommodation management.

Indian couple Altaf Hussein and his wife Farhana told Arab News that they were pleased with the running of this year’s Hajj.

“I am happy with their management,” Hussein said. Farhana added that it was her first time performing Hajj and that it was unlike what she had heard about.

“From day one in Makkah, I am so happy and thankful to Allah the Almighty, and may Allah keep the two holy mosques’ management prosper,” she said.

Marwa Al-Said, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that this year’s Hajj felt “especially exceptional” with unauthorized pilgrims barred from entering Makkah.

“I would like to thank you all. The arrangements you are applying this year are truly different,” she said. “I feel comfortable — there is no hardship, no fear and none of the worries we usually hear about during Hajj. It is, seriously speaking, real security.”

According to an official at Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital in Arafat, the one-day facility — which in previous years typically received hundreds of patients during the Hajj season — had recorded only two emergency cases as of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

ARAFAT: Several guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah expressed deep emotions as they stood on the plains of Arafat, saying that chanting the Talbiyah and supplicating were among the most profound moments of their lives.

They praised the generous care they received from their arrival in the Kingdom until reaching the holy sites, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Pilgrim Mohammed Amer, from New Zealand, said: “Arafat Day is extraordinary in every detail; a moment of serenity and peace. I never imagined experiencing it with such honor, organization and care.”

He commended the Kingdom and its leadership for facilitating the rituals and ensuring every pilgrim’s comfort, the SPA reported.

Pilgrim Sameh Abu Baker, from Palestine, appreciated the services and exceptional organization of pilgrim movement.

He said: “The emotions on this great day are indescribable. Joy fills our hearts as we see pilgrims responding in unison. These moments will remain etched in memory.”

This year, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program is hosting in excess of 2,400 pilgrims from more than 100 countries, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global mission to serve the two holy mosques and pilgrims.