2017 Hajj: 400 Intending Pilgrims Banned From Entering Mecca

Saudi Arabia has banned 400 “illegal” intending pilgrims from entering the Holy land of Mecca, for not having Hajj permits, the country’s Press Agency reports.

This was disclosed by the interior ministry during a news conference on hajj security plans on Wednesday.

More than two million pilgrims are expected in Mecca to perform this year’s Hajj rites.

The country said they have employed tougher sanctions for violators, which includes fine and jail terms.

Spokesperson of Saudi Interior Ministry, Mansour Turki said the security services had dismantled a number of militant cells in Mecca and Medina over the past few years.

Turki said necessary measures are also in place to prevent a stampede like the one that killed hundreds of pilgrims in 2015.

He noted that strict measures were in place at the entrances to Mecca, Medina and other holy sites as well as airports and seaports.

“So, we do not overlook the reality of such potential threats and we take all necessary preventative measures

“Each group must abide by the specified paths assigned to them while throwing the jamarat,” he said.