Article Saudi Arabia: New Law Regulating Rights of Persons with Disabilities Promulgated

On August 27, 2023, the king of Saudi Arabia issued Royal Decree No. M/27 of 11/2/1445 Hijri promulgating Cabinet Resolution No. 110 of 6/2/1445 (August 22, 2023) on the System of Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Content of Cabinet Resolution No. 110

Definition of Persons with Disabilities

Cabinet Resolution No. 110 defines the term “person with a disability” as any person who has a long-term disorder or deficiency in physical, mental, or psychological functions that may prevent them from fully participating in society. (Cabinet Resolution No. 110, art. 1.)

Purposes of the Resolution

The resolution aims at enhancing and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the society and punishing anyone who discriminates against or assaults such persons. (Art. 2.) Additionally, it obligates government authorities to launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the rights of persons with disabilities. (Art. 13.)

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The resolution requires government authorities to construct sidewalks in a manner that facilitates the movement of persons with disabilities. Additionally, it obligates the Ministry of Transportation to designate specific seats and parking locations for persons with disabilities on public transportation and in parking garages. (Art. 3.)

According to article 4 of the resolution, authorities investigating criminal cases and the courts must accommodate persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the resolution stipulates that persons with disabilities have the right to receive educational and training support services at all stages of education, including elementary school, middle school, and high school, and that universities and institutions of higher education must admit persons with disabilities into higher education and postgraduate studies. (Art. 8.)

Under the newly issued resolution, persons with disabilities have the right to access health services, including medical rehabilitation, public health care, home care, and other physical and mental health services. (Art. 9.)

Employers in the private and public sectors must provide job opportunities to persons with disabilities. The resolution prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because they have a disability. (Art. 10.)

Criminal Penalties

The new resolution imposes criminal penalties on caregivers who neglect persons with disabilities (art. 21(2)) and punishes violators with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 250,000 Saudi riyals (about US$66,587), or both penalties (art. 22(2)).

Similarly, the resolution punishes anyone assaulting a person with a disability with up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 250,00 riyals, or both penalties. (Art. 22(1).)

Lastly, the resolution penalizes anyone who falsely claims that they have a disability with a fine of 10,000 to 500,000 Saudi riyals (about US$2,663 to $133,173). (Art. 22(3).)