Saudi Arabia begins imposing penalties for violations of rights of disabled persons

RIYADH — The Saudi Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities (APD) has begun directly exercising its powers in inspection, monitoring, and enforcement of penalties concerning violations of Article 25 of the Law of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 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. These penalties include a fine of up to SR500,000, with the penalty doubled in cases of repeat violations. 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. The APD clarified that the exercise of these powers is based on the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the rules for inspection, oversight, and enforcement issued by the authority’s Board of Directors. These rules govern the authority’s procedures for addressing violations committed by non-governmental organizations, including private sector and non-profit organizations. 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. It stated that among the major violations falling under the APD’s jurisdiction are the adoption of policies involving direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of disability; discrimination in dealings with persons with disabilities; preventing them from carrying out legal transactions and managing their own affairs independently without legal impediment; and depriving them of access to educational, training, health, insurance, and financial services, as well as their right to mobility.