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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Successful Hajj Season
Rabat — Saudi Arabia's authorities are celebrating a successful Hajj season at all levels, which ensured security and health for pilgrims.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Mecca region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Hajj, extended his congratulations to all people who contributed to the success of Hajj this season.
'My thanks to my colleagues in the security, health, and service sectors,' as well as the volunteers who ensure access to the Hajj rituals.
He also extended his appreciation to pilgrims, describing them as 'key partners in this success through their commitment and adherence to the regulations.'
About two million Muslims performed the Hajj this season.
The Saudi General Authority for Statistics said over 1,673,230 people carried out Hajj rituals, among them being 1,506,576 foreigners who traveled from around the world to Saudi Arabia.
The number of Saudi citizens and residents who performed Hajj this season reached 166,654.
As for Morocco, the Ministry of Equipment announced a quota of 34,000, with 22,400 pilgrims managed through official government channels and 11,600 through travel agencies. Crowd control crackdown
Saudi authorities faced many challenges with unauthorized pilgrims this season. Emerging reports detail that many people across the world have flocked to the Gulf countries to perform the Hajj without going through the official procedure and selection measures.
Earlier this month, Saudi authorities reportedly expelled over 205,000 people who attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit.
Saudi Public Security also identified over 415 fake Hajj offices and turned back more than 269,000 pilgrims without permits. Those who broke the law faced penalties, including arrest measures against at least 1,239 individuals who attempted to transport unauthorized pilgrims.
In April, Morocco's General Consulate in Jeddah urged Moroccan citizens regarding entry and residence regulations, detailing strict measures implemented by authorities in Saudi Arabia.
'Holders of Umrah visas are prohibited from entering Saudi territory starting April 13, 2025. Those already in the country before this date must leave Mecca and Saudi territory completely by April 29,' the consulate warned in its statement.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior also announced strict financial penalties against anyone violating regulations regarding Hajj .
Among the penalties are a fine estimated at $5,331 to those caught performing, or attempting to perform, Hajj without a permit.
An estimated fine of $26,658 is also imposed on people who apply for a visit visa on behalf of someone who 'performed or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit,' Gulf Business reported recently.
The same fine applies to anyone who travels and stays in Mecca during the restricted period. Tags: Hajj 2025Hajj pilgrimage
