State Restrictions on Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia

State Restrictions on Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia

Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Saudi Arabia: 

Saudi Arabia Country Update - This report assesses the current situation of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Saudi Arabia. The government of Saudi Arabia continues to impose severe limitations on religious freedom, which includes enforcing laws and policies-rooted in a singular, state-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam-that severely impacts Shi'a Muslims, Christians, and religious dissenters. Despite gradual efforts to ease certain FoRB restrictions over the last decade Saudi authorities have yet to bring the country into full compliance with its obligations under international law and allow Saudi citizens to fully manifest FoRB.

In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Saudi Arabia as a "Country of Particular Concern," or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].