Article 13 of the Saudi Anti-Human Trafficking Law
المادة 13 من نظام مكافحة جرائم الاتجار بالأشخاص
The article punishes a legal entity through which, for which or in whose name a trafficking crime is committed with its knowledge by a fine of up to SAR 10,000,000, and allows its dissolution or closure.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
دون الإخلال بمسؤولية الشخص ذي الصفة الطبيعية، إذا ارتكبت جريمة الاتجار بالأشخاص من خلال شخص ذي صفة اعتبارية أو لحسابه أو باسمه مع علمه بذلك ؛ يعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد على (عشرة ملايين) ريال . ويجوز للمحكمة المختصة أن تأمر بحله، أو إغلاقه، أو إغلاق أحد فروعه مؤقتا أو دائما .
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 13 explained in plain English
This article extends liability to persons with legal personality, such as companies, establishments and offices, if the crime of human trafficking is committed through them.
When is a legal entity held liable? If the crime is committed through it, for its account or in its name, with its knowledge. Knowledge is a condition in the text.
The penalties:
- A fine not exceeding SAR 10,000,000.
- The competent court may order the dissolution of the legal entity, its closure, or the closure of one of its branches, temporarily or permanently.
Without prejudice to the liability of individuals: the article begins with the words "without prejudice to the liability of the natural person", meaning that punishing the company does not relieve from liability the natural persons who committed the crime or took part in it, under the provisions of the Law.
This article is linked to Article 12, which regulates the exemption of an offender who takes the initiative to report, and to Article 14, which provides that the penalties of this Law do not prevent any more severe penalty provided for in another law from being imposed. Establishments that deal with labor, recruitment or housing should take these provisions into account, and when in doubt it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases or in commercial and company cases.
Practical example
It emerged that a licensed office in Dammam recruits workers in its own name and then hands them over to people who force them to work, with the office's management aware of this. The office may be punished by a fine of up to SAR 10,000,000, and the court may order its closure or the closure of one of its branches, while the liability of the individuals involved remains.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Active contributorFrequently asked questions about Article 13 of the Saudi Anti-Human Trafficking Law
Is a company punished if a human trafficking crime is committed in its name?
Yes, if the crime is committed through it, for its account or in its name with its knowledge, and the penalty is a fine not exceeding SAR 10,000,000.
Can a company be closed or dissolved because of human trafficking?
The competent court may order its dissolution, its closure, or the closure of one of its branches, temporarily or permanently.
Does punishing the company relieve the manager or employee involved?
No. The article provides that this is without prejudice to the liability of the natural person.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.