Saudi Arabia’s Public Security announced the arrest of a group of people for violating Hajj regulations after attempting to enter Makkah illegally.

A video released by Saudi authorities showed the individuals walking on foot through a desert area in an attempt to reach Mecca without obtaining an official Hajj permit.

Authorities said those detained include three residents, one expatriate, and one Saudi citizen.

Saudi Arabia’s strict enforcement of Hajj permits is rooted in security concerns tied to crowd control, safety, and past deadly incidents.

Each year, millions of pilgrims gather in Makkah within a short period, creating one of the world’s largest and most densely packed events. Authorities rely on a permit system to regulate the number of pilgrims, manage movement between holy sites, and ensure access to transport, accommodation, and medical services.