Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia removes more than 300,000 unregistered pilgrims from Mecca

Saudi Arabia has enforced stringent measures ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage, clearing out hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca. Among those turned away were foreigners on tourist visas and individuals residing in Saudi Arabia without proper permits. The hajj, a fundamental Islamic practice, must be undertaken by Muslims with the means to do so. With the pilgrimage set to begin on June 14, authorities are focused on crowd management and adherence to formal pilgrimage procedures due to limited quotas and high costs.