In a proactive move to safeguard its elderly population, Saudi Arabia has recently implemented stringent penalties for the neglect and abuse of older individuals, as highlighted by a report from Gulf News on a Saturday.
The newly introduced regulations stipulate that those found guilty of neglecting or abusing the elderly could face imprisonment for up to one year, accompanied by fines reaching as high as 500,000 riyals.
Underlining the gravity of familial responsibility, Saudi lawyer Noura Al Wanda emphasized that the duty of caring for elderly individuals squarely rests on their families. Should negligence lead to a violation, the competent court is entrusted with determining the appropriate punishment, according to Al Wanda.
The Kingdom’s public prosecution has articulated that the core objective of this new law is to serve as a deterrent against the mistreatment of this vulnerable demographic.
This legislative move not only aims to discourage acts of negligence and abuse but also establishes the right of elderly individuals to live with their families. Concurrently, family members bear the obligation of providing both shelter and care.
Furthermore, the legislation explicitly prohibits the family’s primary breadwinner from utilizing the elderly person’s financial resources without their explicit consent.
Additionally, the law expressly forbids any misappropriation or misuse of funds owed to the elderly, ensuring a comprehensive framework to protect the financial well-being of this demographic. In essence, the new legal measures reflect a holistic approach to safeguarding the rights and well-being of the elderly in Saudi Arabia.
