Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Bans Political, Sectarian Flags during Hajj Rites

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior has banned the waving of political or sectarian flags during the performance of Hajj rites in Makkah.

The directive was issued few hours before the commencement of climbing of Mount Arafat which will usher in the Sallah Celebration across the globe.

Saudi Arabia, who issued the warning in an advisory statement posted on its X handle, titled “Instructions and Guidelines for Hajj 1446 AH.” said the advisory was given ahead of the pilgrims’ journey from Madinah to Makkah for the Hajj rites.

“Raising political or sectarian flags, and chanting are strictly prohibited within the holy sites,” the advisory read.

The ministry equally imposed sanctions of 20,000 Riyals for persons found performing or attempting to perform the Hajj rites without a permit or attempting to enter or remain in Makkah beyond the days of the holy rites.

Similarly, a fine of 100,000 Riyals and up to 10 years ban was imposed on any individual who assisted anyone in applying for a visa without a permit, or transported or attempted to transport holders of visiting visas to Makkah or any of the holy sites.

“The regulations and instructions stipulate that a Hajj permit must be presented to security personnel at all entrances leading to the holy sites. Transporting those who do not hold Hajj permits is a violation that warrants punishment.

“A financial penalty of up to 20,000 Riyals shall be imposed on: whoever is apprehended while performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

“Any individual holding any type of visa who enters, attempts to enter or remain in the city of Makkah or the holy sites, starting from the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah until the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah, will be penalised.

“A financial penalty of up to 100,000 shall be imposed on any individual who submits a request to issue any type of visa for a person who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit, or enters or remains in the city of Makkah or the holy sites,” the statement noted.

The authorities also said Illegal Hajj infiltrators from among residents and visa overstay shall be deported to their home countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.