Kuwait’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has directed all licensed Hajj campaign organizers to observe new controls on the involvement of media professionals and celebrities in the upcoming 1448 AH season. The circular issued by the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department states that journalists may participate only in their capacity as part of the approved media cadre attached to the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission. It prohibits their inclusion alongside celebrities in any administrative or organizational teams accompanying the campaigns inside Saudi Arabia.
The ministry’s instructions further ban media personnel and celebrities present in the holy sites from using social media platforms to promote Hajj companies commercially. All licensed operators must apply the rules when compiling staff lists for their campaigns and comply fully with applicable regulations and directives. The circular assigns full responsibility to any violator for consequences arising from non-compliance according to the ministry.
The controls respond to guidance received from competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning regulation of celebrity participation in Hajj activities. Kuwaiti officials framed the measures as necessary to maintain a clear separation between media functions and administrative or organizational duties within the licensed campaigns. The ministry called on all concerned parties to review their preparations in light of the updated requirements.
Saudi Arabia operates a dedicated electronic system for issuing permits to international media delegations covering the Hajj season through its Media e-service portal. Applicants must provide organizational details team member information proposed coverage locations and dates along with a formal pledge before approval. The platform streamlines registration of equipment and issuance of accreditation cards for approved teams working in Mecca Medina and the holy sites.
Hajj campaign operators in Kuwait have been instructed to align their cadre selections with both the new circular and the broader regulatory framework governing the pilgrimage. The ministry reiterated that only the officially accredited media complement attached to the national mission may perform journalistic duties during the season. These steps form part of ongoing coordination between Kuwaiti and Saudi entities to organize the annual pilgrimage which draws millions of participants under strict permit requirements.
