Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Saudi Arabia (Ratification: 1978)

The Committee has noted the Government’s reply to its earlier comments.

1. Article 1(a) of the Convention. The Committee previously noted Royal Decree No. A/90 of 1 March 1992 and requested the Government to supply copies of any regulations issued under section 39 of the Decree, concerning obligations of publishers and information media, and particularly provisions with respect to the penalties applicable in the event of violations. It also noted the Government’s repeated indications in its reports that no provisions or regulations had been made under this section. In its latest report, the Government reiterates that labour inspection focuses its attention and activities on the application of the above Royal Decree and that no violation in the application of the Decree has been reported. The Committee hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will continue to provide information on practical application of section 39, including information on any penalties imposed for violation of its provisions and on any court decisions defining or illustrating its scope.

2. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that there is no general act in the country which would combine the penalties applied in the case of what is considered to be a crime. It also noted the Government’s repeated indication that penalties are provided for in the various regulations to be applied to anyone violating their provisions. The Committee requested the Government to supply copies of these regulations, as well as copies of any rules or regulations governing prison labour. In its latest report, the Government confirms its intention to provide copies of requested regulations once they are received from the competent authorities. The Committee hopes that the Government will not fail to supply the information requested in its next report.