Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported Tuesday that 83% of the deaths during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage — 1,079 out of 1,301 — involved individuals without official permits.
In an interview, a security spokesperson, Colonel Talal bin Abdul Mohsen bin Shalhoub, underscored the intensified media and awareness campaigns to curb unauthorized Hajj participation. He also highlighted the enforcement of stricter penalties for those violating permit requirements.
Colonel Shalhoub revealed that some visitors misuse non-Hajj-specific visas. He noted that tourism companies in various countries have misled visitors by issuing non-Hajj visas and encouraging them to stay in Makkah two months before the Hajj season, violating regulations.
The spokesperson stressed that a Hajj permit is essential for efficiently managing and locating pilgrims and ensuring the timely provision of care and services. The lack of a permit complicates the delivery of these services.
Colonel Shalhoub also mentioned ongoing efforts to communicate via the Public Security’s social media channels about actions against those promoting unauthorized Hajj activities, including their referral to public prosecution.
He commended the firm actions taken by some countries against deceptive agencies and their measures to prevent future offenses.
The deceased hailed from over ten countries, including the United States and Indonesia, with some nations still updating their casualty data.
Most deaths were attributed to the extreme heat, with temperatures in Makkah reaching up to 51.8°C, as reported by Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Centre.
