Article 28 of the Saudi Anti-Money Laundering Law
المادة 28 من نظام مكافحة غسل الأموال · الفصل السابع: العقوبات
The article bars a Saudi sentenced to imprisonment for money laundering from traveling for a period equal to the sentence, and requires deporting a convicted non-Saudi after the sentence and barring entry except for Hajj or Umrah.
Official text after amendments (Arabic)
Compiled from the original text and every officially published amendment; the amendments are shown in full below for comparison.
1- يمنع السعودي المحكوم عليه بعقوبة السجن في جريمة غسل أموال من السفر خارج المملكة مدة مماثلة لمدة السجن المحكوم عليه بها.
2- يُبعد غير السعودي المحكوم عليه في جريمة غسل أموال عن المملكة بعد تنفيذ عقوبته، ويُمنع من دخولها إلا لأداء مناسك الحج أو العمرة؛ وفقاً للأحكام المنظمة لذلك.
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 28 explained in plain English
This article provides for consequences that attach to the person sentenced for a money laundering offense in addition to the main penalty, and it distinguishes between a Saudi and a non-Saudi:
First: a Saudi. If sentenced to imprisonment for a money laundering offense, he is barred from traveling outside the Kingdom for a period equal to the prison term imposed. A person sentenced to five years' imprisonment is barred from traveling for five years. This provision is tied to the imposition of a prison sentence; the text does not mention it for someone sentenced to a fine alone.
Second: a non-Saudi. If sentenced for a money laundering offense:
- He is deported from the Kingdom after serving his sentence.
- He is barred from entering it, except to perform the rites of Hajj or Umrah, in accordance with the provisions regulating that.
In the case of a non-Saudi, the text speaks of being sentenced for the offense without limiting it to a type of penalty.
This article comes after Article 27, which sets the aggravated penalty for money laundering if the offense is accompanied by circumstances such as an organized criminal group, the use of violence or abuse of public office: imprisonment of 3 to 15 years or a fine not exceeding SAR 7,000,000 or both. Article 29 also allows a reduction of the penalty for someone who reports the offense or its perpetrators under the conditions it sets.
This wording was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/223) dated 27/10/1447 AH. Anyone facing a case of this kind is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
A citizen was convicted of a money laundering offense and sentenced to four years' imprisonment, so he is then barred from traveling outside the Kingdom for four years. In the same case his non-Saudi resident partner was convicted, so he is deported from the Kingdom after serving his sentence and is allowed to enter only to perform Hajj or Umrah.
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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Frequently asked questions about Article 28 of the Saudi Anti-Money Laundering Law
How long is the travel ban for a Saudi convicted of money laundering?
A period equal to the prison term imposed on him.
Is a foreigner sentenced for money laundering deported?
Yes. A non-Saudi who is sentenced is deported from the Kingdom after serving his sentence.
Can a foreigner deported in a money laundering case return for Umrah?
He is barred from entering the Kingdom except to perform the rites of Hajj or Umrah, in accordance with the provisions regulating that.
Amendment history
Royal Decree No. M/223 — 27/10/1447 AH
Official amendment text (Arabic)
- عُدلت هذه المادة وذلك بموجب المرسوم الملكي رقم (م/223) وتاريخ 1447/10/27هـ، لتصبح بالنص الآتي:
"المادة الثامنة والعشرون:
1- يمنع السعودي المحكوم عليه بعقوبة السجن في جريمة غسل أموال من السفر خارج المملكة مدة مماثلة لمدة السجن المحكوم عليه بها.
2- يُبعد غير السعودي المحكوم عليه في جريمة غسل أموال عن المملكة بعد تنفيذ عقوبته، ويُمنع من دخولها إلا لأداء مناسك الحج أو العمرة؛ وفقاً للأحكام المنظمة لذلك".
Original text before the amendments (Arabic)
1- يمنع السعودي المحكوم عليه بعقوبة السجن في جريمة غسل أموال من السفر خارج المملكة مدة مماثلة لمدة السجن المحكوم عليه بها.
2- يبعد غير السعودي المحكوم عليه في جريمة غسل أموال عن المملكة بعد تنفيذ العقوبة المحكوم عليه بها، ولا يسمح له بالعودة إليها.
More articles on Penalty for Money Laundering
- Article 26
The article sets the basic penalty for money laundering: imprisonment of two to ten years, or a fine not exceeding SAR 5,000,000, or both.
يعاقب كل من يرتكب جريمة غسل الأموال المنصوص عليها في المادة (الثانية) من النظام؛ بالسجن مدة لا تقل عن سنتين ولا تتجاوز عشر سنوات, أو بغرامة لا تزيد على خمسة ملا
- Article 27
The article raises the money laundering penalty to imprisonment of three to fifteen years or a fine up to SAR 7,000,000 or both, if the offense is accompanied by one of seven circumstances.
يعاقب كل من يرتكب جريمة غسل الأموال -المنصوص عليها في المادة (الثانية) من النظام- بالسجن مدة لا تقل عن ثلاث سنوات ولا تتجاوز خمس عشرة سنة، أو بغرامة لا تزيد على
- Article 31
The article punishes a legal person that commits money laundering with a fine up to SAR 50,000,000 and not less than twice the value of the funds, with the possible additional penalties of barring it from its activity, closing its offices or liquidating it.
1- مع عدم الإخلال بالمسؤولية الجنائية للشخص ذي الصفة الطبيعية، يعاقَب أي شخص ذي صفة اعتبارية يرتكب جريمة غسل الأموال بغرامة لا تزيد على خمسين مليون ريال سعودي و
- Article 32
The article allows a money laundering conviction to include publishing a summary of the judgment at the convicted person's expense in a local newspaper or other suitable means, after the judgment becomes final.
يجوز تضمين الحكم الصادر بالعقوبة النص على نشر ملخصه على نفقة المحكوم عليه في صحيفة محلية تصدر في مقر إقامته، فإن لم تكن في مقره صحيفة ففي أقرب منطقة له، أو نشره
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.