In brief
Prohibits trafficking in any person in any form, such as by coercion, threat, fraud or exploiting need for forced labour or exploitation, and sets penalties, aggravating circumstances and victim protection.
Summary of the law
Penalties
- Trafficking: up to fifteen years' imprisonment or SAR 1 million, or both (Article 3).
- Knowing of the crime and not reporting it: up to two years or SAR 100,000, or both (Article 7).
For employers
- Keeping workers' passports, forcing them to work, or deceiving them about the job they were recruited for may fall within the law; follow the employment contract and the Labour Law.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Forms of trafficking
- Penalties
- Failure to report
- Victim protection
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/40 · 21/7/1430H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .