Article 14 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
المادة 14 من النظام الجزائي لجرائم التزوير · الفصل الرابع تزوير المحررات أولاً: الصور العادية
The article punishes forging, or issuing within one's competence, a medical report or certificate contrary to the truth, knowing it, with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
من زوّر أو منح (بحسب اختصاصه) تقريراً أو شهادةً طبيةً على خلاف الحقيقة مع علمه بذلك؛ يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز سنة وبغرامة لا تزيد على مائة ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين.
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 14 explained in plain English
This article deals with medical reports and certificates, and covers two acts:
- Forging a medical report or certificate contrary to the truth.
- Issuing a medical report or certificate contrary to the truth within one's competence; that is, issued by someone who has the authority to issue it while knowing that its content is untrue.
The condition of knowing it is contrary to the truth is in the text, so the offense does not arise if the offender did not know that the report or certificate was contrary to the truth.
The penalty is:
- Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.
- And a fine of up to SAR 100,000.
- Or either of these two penalties.
The document in Article 1 includes what is in information technology means, so an electronic report or sick leave is covered. The elements of forgery in the same article must also be present, such as bad faith, intent to use and the possibility of harm.
The penalty in this article is lighter than that of Article 13 on commercial and bank papers (imprisonment of one to 5 years and a fine of up to SAR 400,000), and it is followed by Article 15 on forgery in examination papers.
Anyone facing an accusation of this kind is advised to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
An employee of a company in Khobar wanted to be absent for three days, so he altered the date of an old sick leave and submitted it to his employer. This is forgery of a medical certificate, and its penalty is imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either. Had the competent doctor issued the leave knowing the employee was not ill, his act would fall under the "issuing" form in the text.
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 14 of the Saudi Penal Law on Forgery Crimes
What is the penalty for forging a sick leave?
Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either of these two penalties.
Is a doctor who gives an untrue report punished?
Yes, if he issues the report or certificate within his competence contrary to the truth while knowing it.
Is knowledge that the report is untrue required?
Yes. The text requires that the offender knew it was contrary to the truth.
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.