Filipinos Travelling to Saudi Arabia Reminded to Follow Regulations on Public Decency

09 October 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminds Filipino travellers to Saudi Arabia to adhere to a new regulation related to public decency, which identifies 19 offenses punishable by fines.

The new regulation helps ensure that travellers to Saudi Arabia are reminded of laws that concern public behavior, including rules on immodest clothing, public display of affection, taking photos or videos of people without permission, playing music at prayer times, among others.

As for implementation, Saudi Arabia identifies the Saudi Police as the sole authority responsible for monitoring offenses and imposing fines. Offenders have the right to submit a grievance claim before the Common Courtesy Department and to appeal any penalties. Any person harmed by offenders shall have the right to file a lawsuit.

The DFA encourages Filipino travellers to familiarize themselves with Saudi public decency laws to avoid violations. For the complete list of public decency offences and their corresponding fines, please follow the link: https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/userimages/20/violations.pdf.

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