Earlier this week, Saudi police successfully halted pilgrims, disguised as women, from entering the holy city of Mecca illegally, Al Marsad reported.
The men, who do not hold Hajj permits were being 'smuggled' from the kingdom's Al Taif governorate by a group of 'Hajj smugglers.'
The pilgrims and those who were helping them enter the holy site now face legal punishment.
Speaking to local newspapers, a security chief in Al Taif governorate's police force said:
"Al Taif police forces blocked several men who were disguised as women from entering Mecca. They were lead by a group of people whose names will not be made public at the time being."
The security chief also explained that police forces have blocked several other similar attempts this year.
More than 472,000 illegal pilgrims have been blocked from entering the holy site this year
In the weeks leading up to the Hajj pilgrimage, which is set to officially begin this Thursday, Saudi authorities have blocked hundreds of thousands of illegal pilgrims from entering the holy cities of Mecca and Madina.
A statement released by the Jeddah branch of the General Car Syndicate said that "more than 472,000 illegal pilgrims who tried to enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through various entry points in Jeddah governorate," were turned back.
The country's Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat), has also recently issued legal penalties against both nationals and expatriates who were found guilty of transporting pilgrims without Hajj permits.
The penalties include jail terms, fines, deportation of expatriates and seizure of vehicles, Saudi Gazette reported.
Illegal expat pilgrims face a 10 year ban from the kingdom if found out by police
In an announcement made by Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry earlier this month, officials said expat pilgrims who are caught trying to perform Hajj illegally in Mecca, will not only face deportation but will also be banned from entering the country for up to 10 years.
According to Arab News, "all pilgrims are required to hold a permit allowing them to perform Hajj before they are allowed" to enter Mecca.
All Hajj regulations are strictly enforced by authorities since it's crucial for them to keep track of the number of pilgrims entering the city.