Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report.

1. Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its earlier comments, the Committee referred to 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.

The Government states in its report that labour inspection continues to focus its attention on the implementation of the above Royal Decree and that no violation in the application of the Decree has been reported so far. The Committee reiterates its hope 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. In its earlier comments, the Committee 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. The Committee notes the Government’s assurances that copies of requested regulations will be provided, as soon as they are received from the competent authorities. It again expresses the hope that the Government will not fail to supply the information requested with its next report.