Article 42 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 42 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب الخامس: الحقوق والواجبات
The Article provides that the State grants the right of political asylum when the public interest requires, and that the laws and international agreements set the rules for extradition of ordinary criminals.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تمنح الدولة حق اللجوء السياسي إذا اقتضت المصلحة العامة ذلك، وتحدد الأنظمة والاتفاقيات الدولية قواعد وإجراءات تسليم المجرمين العاديين.
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 42 explained in plain English
This Article deals with two different subjects:
- Political asylum: the State grants the right of political asylum when the public interest requires. Granting asylum is tied to a single condition mentioned in the text, that the public interest requires it, and the Article does not state the procedures for requesting it or the body that decides.
- Extradition of ordinary criminals: the rules and procedures for extradition of ordinary criminals are set by the laws and international agreements. The Article does not itself set rules of extradition but refers to these two sources.
Note that the text uses the description "ordinary criminals" in the context of extradition, and it comes after speaking of political asylum, so it distinguishes between the two in its wording, without defining what is meant by an ordinary criminal.
The Article comes in Chapter Five after Article 41, which requires residents of the Kingdom to comply with its laws and observe the values of Saudi society; both relate to the situation of non-citizens in the Kingdom from different angles.
Anyone with a matter relating to an extradition request or asylum would be well advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in international or criminal cases.
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 42 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
Does Saudi Arabia grant the right of political asylum?
Article 42 provides that the State grants the right of political asylum when the public interest requires.
What governs extradition of criminals in Saudi Arabia?
The laws and international agreements set the rules and procedures for extradition of ordinary criminals.
Does the Article set out the procedures for requesting asylum?
No. The Article mentions only the public interest condition and does not set out the procedures.
More articles on The Two Holy Mosques and Foreign Relations
- Article 24
The Article provides that the State builds and serves the Two Holy Mosques and provides security and care for those who visit them, so they can perform Hajj, Umrah and the visit with ease and peace of mind.
تقوم الدولة بإعمار الحرمين الشريفين وخدمتهما، وتوفر الأمن والرعاية لقاصديهما، بما يمكن من أداء الحج والعمرة والزيارة بيسر وطمأنينة.
- Article 25
The Article provides that the State is keen to realize the hopes of the Arab and Islamic nation for solidarity and unity of word, and to strengthen its relations with friendly states.
تحرص الدولة على تحقيق آمال الأمة العربية والإسلامية في التضامن وتوحيد الكلمة، وعلى تقوية علاقاتها بالدول الصديقة.
- Article 63
The Article provides that the King receives kings and presidents of states, appoints his representatives to states, and accepts the accreditation of states' representatives to him.
يستقبل الملك ، ملوك الدول ورؤساءها، ويعين ممثليه لدى الدول، ويقبل اعتماد ممثلي الدول لديه.
- Article 81
The article states that applying the Basic Law of Governance does not affect the treaties and agreements Saudi Arabia has entered into with states, bodies and international organizations.
لا يخل تطبيق هذا النظام بما ارتبطت به المملكة العربية السعودية مع الدول والهيئات والمنظمات الدولية من معاهدات واتفاقيات .
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.