Saudi Arabia begins enforcing penalties for disability rights violations

The Saudi Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities (APD) has begun actively enforcing penalties against non-governmental establishments that violate the rights of persons with disabilities. This new enforcement power allows the APD to conduct inspections, monitor compliance, and impose sanctions as outlined in Article 25 of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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The authority indicated that a specialized committee has been formed to review violations committed by non-governmental establishments and impose the penalties stipulated in the law.

A dedicated committee has been formed to review violations committed by private and non-profit organizations. Penalties can include substantial fines, reaching up to SR500,000, with the possibility of the penalty being doubled for repeat offenses. The law specifically targets non-governmental entities that fail to adhere to the basic principles of disability rights, deny guaranteed rights and services, or implement policies leading to direct or indirect discrimination based on disability.

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These penalties include a fine of up to SR500,000, with the penalty doubled in cases of repeat violations.

The APD emphasized that these enforcement actions are grounded in the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and accompanying inspection and oversight rules. The authority is committed to fulfilling its regulatory and oversight duties to ensure that organizations comply with the law, protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, and guarantee their equal access to essential services.

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The article prohibits non-governmental entities from failing to comply with the basic principles set out in Article Two of the law, depriving persons with disabilities of the rights and services guaranteed to them, or adopting policies that constitute direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of disability.

Key violations falling under the APD's jurisdiction include discriminatory policies, unequal treatment, obstruction of legal transactions, and denial of access to vital services such as education, healthcare, and financial services. The ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive society that promotes empowerment and equal opportunities for all.

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The authority emphasized that the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees their rights across various fields and that it continues to fulfill its regulatory and oversight responsibilities to strengthen compliance among organizations, safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, and ensure their equal access to services alongside others, contributing to an inclusive society that promotes empowerment and equal opportunities.