Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday, that more than 400,000 illegal pilgrims have been banned from entering Mecca for not having Hajj permits.

Saudi Interior Ministry announced that until Tuesday, 1.7 million foreign pilgrims and about 200,000 domestic pilgrims had arrived in Mecca. The country has taken serious steps to ensure the smooth running of Hajj for the pilgrims. This includes jail term and fine against violators.

A Security spokesman from the Saudi Interior Ministry, Mansour Turki, said that strict measures have been put in place at entrances to Mecca and Medina, as well as airports and seaports. He said that the security forces have also taken steps to prevent a stampede like the one that killed hundreds in 2015.