According to a representative for the Kingdom's Ministry of Interior, several travel agencies from other nations urged tourists to undertake the Hajj illegally by giving them illegitimate visas to enter Saudi Arabia on Monday.
According to Colonel Talal al-Shalhoub, several travel agencies had pushed their clients to visit Mecca two months ahead of the start of the Hajj season in order to get around Saudi laws.
Over 1.83 million Muslims gathered in Mecca for this year's Hajj to carry out the religious rite. One of the Five Pillars of Islam is the Hajj, which all Muslims who are financially and physically capable of performing must do.
The Saudi government had imposed stringent laws restricting the amount of Hajj visas in order to avoid crowding at one of the biggest gatherings in the world. Al-Shalhoub stated that numerous media campaigns were started months in advance to caution people against doing the Hajj without a proper authorization.
He said that severe punishments were implemented to deter violators.
Nevertheless, during the process, scores of infractions were reported.
This year, 1,301 pilgrims died while doing the Hajj; of these, 1,071 did not have valid licenses, accounting for an astounding 83% of all fatalities. According to the Saudi Health Ministry, the majority of the pilgrims died from heat stroke.
Al-Shalhoub asserts that Hajj licenses do more than just allow travelers to enter Mecca. They are also used to track the pilgrims' whereabouts, which enables the authorities to give them the help they need in an emergency.
Fahad al-Jalajel, the health minister of Saudi Arabia, stated in a statement earlier this week that the Kingdom offered preventive care to about 1.3 million pilgrims during this year's Hajj.
He continued by saying that more over 465,000 treatment services—141,000 of which were provided to those without Hajj authorization—were provided by the authorities.
These unapproved pilgrims, according to Al-Jalajel, traveled great distances while walking in the blazing sun.
The minister continued, "We dealt with a large number of people affected by heat stress."
According to Al-Jalajel, the deceased's identities were confirmed, and they were buried and honored with dignity in Mecca.
According to the minister, the Kingdom offered pilgrims almost 1.3 million preventive care. In addition, he said, officials provided approximately 465,000 treatment services, 141,000 of which were for people who did not have permission to perform the Hajj.
On Sunday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised government efforts to ensure a trouble-free Hajj trip while reiterating the Kingdom's commitment to assisting Muslim worshippers.
The Crown Prince made these remarks in a meeting with a number of princes, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, top scholars and sheikhs, ministers, senior officials from the GCC, commanders of the armed branches, and scouts taking part in this year's Hajj.
MBS wished the guests at the Royal Court in Mina Palace a blessed Eid al-Adha on behalf of King Salman, saying, "Your significant contributions and tireless efforts undertaken in service of the pilgrims have demonstrably facilitated the Hajj and enabled worshipers to perform their sacred rituals with ease and tranquility."
Beginning on June 14, more than 1.83 million pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia to participate in this year's Hajj season.
One of the five pillars of Islam is the Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world that every Muslim who has the means to do so must undertake at least once.
Saudi Arabia's numerous agencies and officials work hard to guarantee a smooth and safe Hajj by implementing rules and regulations ahead of time.
Authorities warn of severe consequences for engaging in such fraudulent activities and also spread awareness about phony Hajj marketing.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), MBS stated, "The state, through all its relevant sectors, remains steadfast in its commitment to providing all necessary resources to serve those who visit the Two Holy Mosques." "We work to make sure that they can fulfill their worship in a safe and comforting environment. May the Almighty Allah provide us success, wealth, and blessings for all eternity.
