The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on political and sectarian slogans, chants, and flags during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
In a statement shared Wednesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, titled “Instructions and Guidelines for Hajj 1446 AH,” the ministry explicitly warned pilgrims against engaging in any form of political expression at the holy sites.
“Raising political or sectarian flags and chanting are strictly prohibited within the holy sites,” the ministry stated.
Severe Penalties for Unauthorized Pilgrimage
The advisory also detailed harsh penalties for individuals attempting to perform Hajj without the required permit. Unauthorized pilgrims face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, while those caught assisting or transporting unpermitted pilgrims risk a 100,000 Riyals fine and a 10-year entry ban.
Security forces will be deployed to enforce permit checks at all access points into Makkah and other sacred locations.
Crackdown on Visa Misuse and Overstays
The statement warned that individuals entering Makkah on visit visas between the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah and the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah will be subject to deportation and barred from reentering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Heavy fines also apply to anyone found helping others bypass these restrictions.
Cameras and Phones Not Banned
Despite earlier rumors, a Nigerian pilgrim currently in Madinah clarified there is no official ban on the use of mobile phones or cameras.
“There was only a general advisory encouraging pilgrims to minimize distractions and focus on the spiritual aspects of Hajj,” the pilgrim told The PUNCH.
National Symbols Permitted—Within Limits
The use of national symbols such as flags on scarves, umbrellas, or clothing is allowed as a means of group identification, provided it does not resemble any form of protest or political demonstration. Authorities reiterated that Hajj is strictly a spiritual journey, and all activities must reflect that.
Efforts to contact Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
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