Due to the strict stance of the Saudi Arabian Hajj authorities, about 270,000 pilgrims who came without permission were not allowed to enter Mecca this year. The news agency AP reported that this large number of people were stopped outside Mecca because they did not have a valid permit for the Hajj.

A statement from the Saudi government said that about 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj season last year due to overcrowding and severe heat. Learning from that experience, this time no one who came to perform Hajj without permission is being allowed to enter, so that such unwanted incidents can be avoided in the future.

According to the Saudi Hajj Ministry, so far 269,678 illegal pilgrims have been prevented from entering Mecca. Many tried to enter using fake visas, passes or travel documents. In addition, 23,000 Saudi citizens have also been fined for attempting to perform Hajj without permission.

According to Saudi law, performing Hajj without permission is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and other penalties. This applies not only to foreigners but also to Saudi citizens.

As part of the government's Hajj management, the licenses of more than 400 Hajj companies have been canceled, against whom irregularities have been alleged. Such measures are being taken to maintain order in the Hajj management and control public gatherings.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have said that more than 1.4 million legitimate pilgrims are currently in Mecca. This number is expected to increase when the main Hajj rituals begin.

Drone technology is being used for the first time this year to ensure the safety of pilgrims. These drones will also be used for crowd monitoring, security surveillance and fire extinguishing in emergencies, according to the Saudi Civil Defense.

Every year, millions of Muslims from different parts of the world come to the holy Mecca to perform Hajj in the month of Zilhaj. Performing Hajj is an obligatory act of worship and has specific rules, permits and deadlines. According to the Saudi government, failure to follow these rules could put the lives of pilgrims at risk, so no one will be allowed to perform Hajj without permission.