Article 5 of the Saudi Border Security Law
المادة 5 من نظام أمن الحدود
Article 5 permits border personnel to use force, up to the use of weapons, to catch offenses under the law and its regulations, in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the Internal Security Forces Law.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لرجال سلاح الحدود في سبيل ضبط أي من الجرائم المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام ولوائحه التنفيذية استعمال القوة إلى حد استعمال السلاح وفقا لما تقضي به المادتان (6 ، 7) من نظام قوات الأمن الداخلي.
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 5 explained in plain English
This article gives border personnel the power to use force in carrying out their duty, and this power may extend to the use of weapons.
The text limits this power in two ways:
- Purpose: the force must be used to catch any of the offenses provided for in this law and its implementing regulations, and not for any other purpose.
- Controls: it must be done in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the Internal Security Forces Law. The conditions and cases for using force and weapons are found in that law, and this article does not set them out.
The offenses provided for in the law means violations of its provisions and regulations, which Article 4 punishes with one or more penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to fifty thousand riyals, withdrawal of the license and confiscation where warranted.
In short, the article does not grant an unlimited power. It ties the power to the purpose of catching offenses under the law and to the controls in the Internal Security Forces Law. Anyone who has been involved in an incident where force was used and wants to know their rights may consult a lawyer specializing in 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 5 of the Saudi Border Security Law
Are border guards entitled to use weapons?
Yes. The article permits them to use force, up to the use of weapons, to catch the offenses provided for in the law and its regulations, in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the Internal Security Forces Law.
Is the use of force unlimited?
No. It is limited to the purpose of catching offenses under this law and its regulations, and by what Articles 6 and 7 of the Internal Security Forces Law require.
Where do I find the conditions for border personnel to use weapons?
The article refers to Articles 6 and 7 of the Internal Security Forces Law, so the conditions and controls are found in that law.
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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.