There has been a major change in the rules for taking and repaying loans in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved the new enforcement law, due to which the relief available to borrowers has increased. Now the entire emphasis of the government will be on recovering money from the person’s property instead of sending him to jail. This decision has been taken to save mutual relations between common people and families.

Which people will no longer be jailed?

According to Article 37 of the new law, if a person is unable to repay the money owed to his parents (asool) or his children (فروع), he will not be sent to jail. Apart from this, some more people have also been exempted from jail, which are as follows:

• People under 18 years of age: Minors will not be sent to jail.


• Sick person: Those who are not allowed to be kept in jail on the basis of medical report.


• Women: Pregnant women or mothers whose child is less than two years of age.

What does the New Testament say and what are its benefits?

Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Waleed bin Mohammad Al-Samaani said that the purpose of this new law is to get the money to the beneficiaries quickly and to improve the judicial process. The main points of this system are given below:

• Action on property: Now the rule is that recovery will be made from the property of the person instead of his property.


• Jail Time Limit: If in any case it is necessary to send him to jail, it will not exceed 180 days, although it can be extended.


• Different arrangement: People going to jail for debt will be kept separate from criminal type prisoners.

This rule is important for all people living and expatriates in Saudi Arabia as it will reduce the fear of going to jail in family disputes and protect financial rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who has been exempted from jail under the new law of Saudi Arabia?

According to the new law, if the debtor is a parent or child of the person asking for money, he will not be jailed. Also, people below 18 years of age, pregnant women and seriously ill persons are also excluded from this.

What is the maximum jail term for financial debt?

In cases where there is a provision of jail, the punishment will not exceed 180 days, but it can be extended if necessary.