Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that 83% (1,079 of 1,301) of the total deaths during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage were among those without an official permit.
Speaking in an interview with Al-ArabiyaSecurity Spokesperson Colonel Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub highlighted proactive efforts to intensify awareness and media campaigns against conducting Hajj without permits and to impose stricter penalties on violators.
He noted that some people have been abusing visit visas and other non-Hajj-specific visas in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, Colonel Shalhoub noted that some tourism companies in several sister countries have misled visit visa holders by issuing them visas that were not intended for the Hajj and encouraging them to violate regulations by staying in Mecca two months before the Hajj season. Hajj.
The spokesperson emphasized that a Hajj permit is not simply a transit card but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide them with the necessary care and services promptly. The absence of a permit poses challenges for some offenders in providing services and medical care.
Colonel Shalhoub mentioned the continuous updates through the Public Security's official social media accounts regarding the capture of those promoting fake Hajj campaigns and their referral to the prosecution.
He also appreciated the strict measures taken by some brother countries against these deceptive companies and the corrective actions they have implemented to prevent future violations.
The deceased pilgrims were from more than 10 countries, from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are still updating their figures.
The cause of death in most cases was heat-related, with temperatures in Mecca this year reaching 51.8°C, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological center.
