Millions will make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The kingdom faces scrutiny over safety after more than 1,300 people died last year.

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 illegal journeys into the city.The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorized participants.

The Saudi Arabian government has expelled nearly 269,678 Muslims who tried to enter Mecca without permission during the Hajj pilgrimage.