Saudi Arabia has introduced a strict child protection law that could lead to parents being sent to jail if their child misses 20 consecutive school days without a valid reason. The move is part of efforts to ensure education for all and address declining attendance rates in government schools.Saudi Public Prosecution will conduct an investigation before any action is taken.

The law is part of broader initiatives to enhance education in the new academic year. School principals are now required to promptly report unexcused absences to the education department, which will then forward the case to the Ministry of Education for investigation. The Family Safety Committee, within the Ministry, will examine cases of parental negligence and refer them to the prosecution department for possible legal action.

This new law applies exclusively to government schools, and a similar approach has been adopted for private and international schools where students absent for 15 days are given a transfer certificate. All schools must display class timings at their entrance gates and adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure transparency and compliance. As the new academic year begins with more than 6 million students, Saudi Arabia’s aim is to complete three semesters comprising a total of 38 weeks of classes. This law underscores the significance of regular school attendance and parental responsibility in shaping a child’s education.