The head of state emphasized that those who go for Hajj and Umrah should be promoters of spirituality.

Saudi Arabia has warned all pilgrims that the penalties for illegal participation in Hajj will be increased. According to it, those who come to Haj pilgrimage without permission - both local residents and foreigners - can be imprisoned from 2 to 6 months and fined up to 50 thousand Saudi Riyals ($ 13.33 thousand), foreigners can be deported for 10 years. Punishment measures have also been strengthened against the organizers and carriers of illegal pilgrimages.

Uzbekistan Airways will carry out 124 charter passenger flights within the framework of the "Haj-2024" program. It is planned to transport 15 thousand 130 pilgrims on Boeing 767 planes, they will be served a hot breakfast during check-in at the airport, and special meals will be distributed during the flight.

Today, on May 23, the first group of our pilgrims, who intended to make the blessed pilgrimage, left for the holy land with joy in their hearts and gratitude in their tongues.

The Saudi authorities in charge of Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, Islam's second holiest site, have drawn up an effective crowd management plan for the current Hajj season to ensure the comfort of millions of pilgrims. According to it, 60 corridors, including 38 main and 8 emergency corridors, will be launched to ensure entry and exit to the mosque.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan reported that "14 citizens of the country were killed and 17 others were missing" during the Hajj trip. They are said to have died due to extreme heat and dehydration. For reference, the expected climate for this year's Hajj was forecast to be 1.5-2 degrees [Celsius] higher than the average temperature in Mecca and Medina. The Saudi Ministry of Health has asked pilgrims not to be outdoors between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. due to the sudden rise in temperature.

It is not clear why the Uzbeks died. Earlier, Saudi authorities reported that more than 1,300 people lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj season. Among the dead are several elderly people and people with chronic diseases. In addition, Makkah experienced scorching heat during Hajj days. It is also said that pilgrims without official documents could not enter the air-conditioned facilities along the Hajj route.