Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing penalties against non-governmental establishments that violate the rights of persons with disabilities, with fines of up to SR500,000 for serious breaches.
The Saudi Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities (APD) said it has started directly exercising its inspection, monitoring and enforcement powers under Article 25 of the Law of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The authority has formed a specialised committee to review violations committed by non-governmental establishments and impose the penalties prescribed under the law. The fine can reach SR500,000 and may be doubled in cases involving repeat violations.
For employers and private-sector organisations, the enforcement means workplace policies and practices must not directly or indirectly discriminate against people with disabilities. Organisations are also expected to ensure that employees and job seekers with disabilities are not denied rights or services guaranteed to them under the law.
Under Article 25, non-governmental entities are prohibited from failing to comply with the basic principles established under Article Two of the law, denying persons with disabilities their legally guaranteed rights and services, or adopting discriminatory policies.
The APD said its enforcement powers are being exercised in accordance with the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the rules governing inspection, oversight and enforcement approved by its Board of Directors. The rules establish procedures for addressing violations by non-governmental organisations, including private-sector companies and non-profit organisations.
The authority said the law protects the rights of persons with disabilities across multiple areas and that its regulatory and supervisory role is aimed at strengthening compliance among organisations and ensuring equal access to services.
Among the violations within the APD's jurisdiction are direct or indirect discrimination based on disability, discriminatory treatment of persons with disabilities and preventing them from carrying out legal transactions or independently managing their affairs where there is no legal impediment.
The authority also identified the denial of access to education, training, healthcare, insurance and financial services, as well as restrictions on mobility, as major violations subject to its oversight.
The latest enforcement move reinforces Saudi Arabia's focus on inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, while placing greater responsibility on private-sector and non-profit organisations to review their policies, practices and services to ensure compliance with disability rights legislation.