Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 Muslims without Hajj permits from entering Mecca
Associated PressMAY 31
Saudi Arabia Blocks 269,000 Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims
Above: Muslims, who continue to fulfill the Hajj pilgrimage, where there is a high density of pilgrims, spend their time praying, performing Umrah, reading the Holy Qur'an, performing Tawaf, and visiting holy places in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on May 31, 2025. Image copyright: Sabri Kesen/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This ban exposes Saudi Arabia's prioritizing of control over accessibility and denying Muslims their religious duty. Harsh measures, like drones, raids, and fines, target vulnerable worshippers and last year’s more than 1,000 deaths exposed the system's failure to ensure safety. Economic reforms are clashing with spiritual equity, making Hajj a privilege, not a right.
Narrative B
Despite faulty claims from critics, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj permit system does ensure safety. Many deaths have stemmed from pilgrims' health issues, highlighting inadequate home-country health checks. Saudi Arabia's "Mecca Route" initiative verifies fitness, provides fast-track services, and warns against illegal travel. The Kingdom continues to strive to safely open Mecca while protecting pilgrims' health.