This week, Saudi Arabia stopped greater than 269,000 folks from going into Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage as a result of they didn’t have the suitable permits.

Hajj is an important spiritual journey for Muslims, and tens of millions of individuals from all around the world go annually. The Saudi authorities is attempting to keep away from harmful overcrowding.

Up to now, large crowds in Mecca have led to lethal stampedes and heat-related deaths. To maintain issues protected this yr, officers are being further strict. Again in Might, in addition they restricted sure forms of visas and even banned folks from 14 principally Arab international locations from getting Hajj visas. To this point, about 1.5 million folks from outdoors Saudi Arabia are formally collaborating in Hajj this yr.

Native individuals are going too, however the precise quantity hasn’t been shared.

The Saudi Ministry of Inside has been warning folks to not enter Mecca with no Hajj allow. They even began a hashtag in Arabic meaning “No Hajj with no allow.” If somebody is caught attempting to sneak in with out the correct paperwork, they may very well be fined as much as 20,000 riyals, which is about $5,300.

This isn’t the primary time Saudi Arabia has blocked folks from coming into Mecca throughout Hajj. Final yr, they stopped almost 300,000 individuals who didn’t have permits.

The nation can also be placing different guidelines in place to maintain folks protected. For instance, youngsters beneath 12 are usually not allowed to go this yr. With tens of millions of individuals multi function place, it’s tremendous necessary to maintain the crowds beneath management and keep away from any harmful conditions. The message is evident: if you wish to go to Mecca for Hajj, it is advisable to comply with the foundations and get the suitable allow. Saudi Arabia needs to ensure everybody has a protected and peaceable pilgrimage.