In brief
Secures the right of older persons to live with their family with dignity, bars carers from using their money without consent or neglecting them, and sets penalties for offenders and care homes.
Summary of the law
Key points
- An older person has the right to live with their family, which must house and care for them (Article 3).
- A care home may admit them only with their consent, a court ruling, or where their life is at risk (Article 4).
Common violations
- A carer using the older person's money without consent, or misusing it when entrusted with it (Article 15).
- Deliberately neglecting a dependent older person.
Penalties
- Up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to SAR 500,000 for breaching Articles 3 and 15, doubled for repeat offences; not applicable where the carer is the father or the wife (Article 16).
- Private care homes in breach: fines of up to SAR 100,000, challengeable before the Administrative Court (Article 20).
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
- Right to live with family
- Care-home admission only with consent
- Protecting the elderly person's money
- Penalties
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/47 · 3/6/1443H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
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 Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. 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: .