Saudi Arabia stopped 2,69,678 Muslims without a hajj Permit from entering Makkah.
In 2025, Saudi authorities took a bold step to maintain the sanctity and safety of the Hajj pilgrimage by stopping more than 269K individuals without valid Hajj permits from entering Mecca. This move was part of an extensive crackdown aimed at controlling overcrowding and preventing incidents such as heat-related deaths, which were linked in part to unregulated pilgrim entries in past years.
🚫 Unauthorised Pilgrims: A Growing Concern
The recent crackdown by Saudi authorities is not without precedent. In 2025, officials reported that 269,678 individuals attempted to enter Mecca without the necessary permits. Such unauthorised entries have been linked to overcrowding and have, in past years, contributed to tragic incidents, including heat-related fatalities. To mitigate these risks, the government has implemented stringent measures:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Deportation and entry bans
- Revocation of licenses for over 400 Hajj service companies
- Penalties for more than 23,000 residents violating Hajj regulations
These steps aim to preserve the safety and sanctity of the pilgrimage.
While this effort ensures order and safety during the sacred season, it also serves as a strong reminder to all aspiring pilgrims: Hajj must be performed correctly, or it may not be counted at all.
🚫 Blocked Without Permit
- 269,678 individuals without Hajj permits have been stopped from entering Mecca.
- This is part of a strict crackdown by Saudi authorities to manage crowd control and prevent tragedies like those caused by heat and overcrowding in previous years.
📊 Official Pilgrim Numbers
- As of early June 2025, 1.4 million officially registered pilgrims have arrived in Mecca.
- More are expected in the coming days.
⚖️ Penalties for Unauthorised Hajj
- Fines up to $5,000
- Deportation and bans, even for Saudi citizens and residents
- 23,000+ residents penalised
- 400 Hajj company licenses revoked
🔍 Key Statements
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Omari said:
“The pilgrim is in our sight, and anyone who disobeys is in our hands.”
🔧 Tech in Use
Drones are being used for the first time to:
- Assist in fire safety
- Monitor crowds
- Provide surveillance
🕋 Hajj 2026: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Muslims
A Message from Aimah Tours
As India’s Muslims prepare for Hajj 2026, we feel we must speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable.
In recent years, we’ve seen thousands of pilgrims deceived by cheap packages, illegal agents, and promises of shortcut Hajj journeys. Many have lost their life savings. Some have been left stranded. A few have even been arrested or deported.
This is not just a legal issue — it’s a spiritual crisis.
💔 Hajj and Umrah Is Not a Bargain Hunt
Hajj is not a vacation. It’s not a discount trip. It is the fifth pillar of Islam — a sacred obligation that requires honesty, planning, and sacrifice.
Every year, people approach us asking:
“Can I get a Hajj package for ₹4 lakh?”
“Can I get an Umrah package for ₹60 thousand?”
“Is there a shortcut way into Saudi?”
“Can we do Hajj on a visit or Umrah visa?”
“Umrah Visa free from the Saudi government?”
“Can you give us only a hotel, and we will book the flight?”
“Can you only give the visa, our relatives in Jeddah/Riyadh will come to provide us with things for free?”
Let’s be honest: these are dangerous and haram shortcuts.
And those who offer them are either ignorant or deceitful.
🕋 Hajj Is Fard (Obligatory)
Hajj is not optional for Muslims who meet the criteria. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is fard (obligatory) upon every adult Muslim who is physically, financially, and logistically able to perform it.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:97)
This means if you can afford Hajj and can travel safely, you must perform it at least once in your life. Delaying it without valid reasons is a serious neglect of a core tenet of Islam.
📅 When to Book Your Hajj Package
Planning for Hajj is not something you can leave until the last minute. Ideally, pilgrims should book their Hajj packages 8 to 9 months in advance. This is crucial because:
- 🛂 Hajj visas are limited and subject to government quotas
- 🏨 High-quality accommodations, flights, and logistics tend to get fully booked early
- 💉 It takes time to complete the required vaccinations, documents, and training
- 🧾 Early booking ensures you are included in the official registry, which is the only legal and halal way to perform Hajj
⚖️ Hajj Is Fard Only for Those Who Can Afford It Without Risk
Islam is a religion of mercy. Hajj is only obligatory for those who can do it without risking their life, health, or finances.
If performing Hajj will cause you to fall into debt, endanger your health, or leave your family in hardship, you are not obligated—yet.
However:
If you can get a legal Hajj visa and afford a safe package, you must not delay.
Waiting for “cheaper” opportunities or trying to sneak in without permits is not only irresponsible—it is haram (forbidden).
🚨 Beware of Hajj Package Scams in India
In India, a legitimate Hajj package typically costs between ₹7 lakh to ₹9 lakh.
Here’s what you should know:
- Below ₹8 lakh: Highly suspicious. These are likely scams or illegal operators offering incomplete services. You may end up without proper accommodation, transport, or even a visa.
- Above ₹9 lakh: Possibly overpriced. Unless you’re getting premium, VVIP treatment, you might be overpaying.
✅ Always do your due diligence. Ask what is included:
- Flights
- Food
- Transport
- Ziyarah
- Visa processing
- Medicals
- Insurance
- Guidance
❌ Never Trust Local Unregistered Agents
There are countless heartbreaking stories of people being cheated by local agents who:
- ❌ Disappear with the money
- ❌ Provide fake visas or documents
- ❌ Leave pilgrims stranded at airports or in Saudi Arabia
To avoid being scammed:
- ✅ Check IATA registration: Only book through IATA-certified travel agencies.
- ✅ Get written contracts and receipts.
- ✅ Verify the agent’s name and registration number on the IATA website.
💸 Cheap Hajj Packages = 200% Scam
Let’s be blunt: There is no such thing as a cheap Hajj package.
If someone is offering you a full Hajj package for under ₹7 lakh, it’s almost certainly:
- 🚫 A scam
- 🚫 Missing key services
- 🚫 Dependent on illegal entry or visas
Remember: Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation.
Do not cut corners.
🛑 Performing Hajj Without a Visa Is Haram and Illegal
Going on Hajj without an official Hajj visa is:
- ❌ Illegal under Saudi law
- ❌ Haram in Islam
Unauthorised Hajj:
- Causes overcrowding
- Puts lives at risk
- Disrespects the sacred pilgrimage
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that acts of worship must be done correctly and lawfully.
Entering Saudi Arabia illegally to perform Hajj violates both Islamic law and the country’s rules — and your Hajj may not be valid.
💎 The Prophet’s Promise: Spend on Hajj and Umrah, and Allah Will Enrich You
Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to continue doing Hajj and Umrah regularly:
“Follow up the Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sins as fire removes impurities from iron.”
— Sunan al-Nasa’i
Why does Allah enrich you when you spend on Hajj and Umrah? Because it’s a form of sincere devotion.
- If you spend ₹1 lakh on Umrah, Allah might return it to you as ₹80 lakh
- If you spend ₹8 lakh on Hajj, Allah may return it as ₹64,000,000
This is not just a spiritual benefit—it is a real, material barakah (blessing) in your life.
💍 Similarly, Allah Commands Marriage Even If You Are Poor
“And marry those among you who are single … if they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His bounty.”
(Qur’an 24:32)
🙅 Don’t Be Stingy When Booking Hajj or Umrah
Being frugal is not the same as being stingy.
When it comes to spending for Allah’s cause, be generous.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned:
“Do not withhold your money, (for if you did so) Allah would also withhold His blessings from you.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari
When booking an Umrah or Hajj package, go for the best you can afford.
Don’t treat it like a bargain hunt.
🌍 Book Your Risk-Free and Comfortable Hajj and Umrah with Aimah Tours
Aimah Tours is not just a travel agency—we are your companions in this sacred journey.
🧳 Our packages are:
- ✅ Fully IATA-certified
- ✅ Transparent and detailed
- ✅ Supported by experienced guides and staff
- ✅ Designed to maximise your comfort and ibadah
Whether it’s Umrah in Ramadan or Hajj 2026, Aimah Tours ensures that your journey is:
- 💼 Legal
- 😌 Comfortable
- 🌙 Full of blessings
