Saudi Arabian authorities have stopped over 269,000 individuals without the necessary permits from entering Mecca ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, officials announced on Sunday.

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on ...

The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency. At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city.

Mecca: Saudi Arabia launches Hajj permit crackdown in bid to stop heat deaths Saudi officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city ...

Saudi officials say they have stopped more than 269,000 Muslims without permits for the Hajj pilgrimage from entering Mecca.

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants.