28-05-2025
Saudis Crack Down on Illegal Hajj Pilgrims After 2024 Fatalities
By , Siraj Datoo, and Yassmin Jabri
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Saudi Arabia is stepping up efforts to curb unauthorized pilgrims from the annual Hajj journey that starts next week, a year after more than 1,300 people died during the gathering amid extreme heat.
Illegal pilgrims face arrest, deportation and fines in excess of $5,000, while people found helping them risk penalties of almost $27,000, according to government text messages sent routinely to Saudi residents.
