Parents of school children in Saudi could face jail time if their child does not attend classes for 20 consecutive days without a plausible excuse, local media reported.
Absence from school makes the guardian liable to an inquiry by public prosecution under the kingdom’s Child Protection Law, Makkah newspaper explained.
The report said the move is part of efforts to ensure “ideal studies” in the new academic year.
After finalising the investigation, prosecutors will refer the case to the law court where the judge has the jurisdiction to issue a jail sentence of an appropriate term against the parent if the guardian is found to have been negligent about the student’s absence, it explained.
The school principal must report the case to the respective education department that would open an inquiry, the paper said.
In turn, the education department would refer the case to the Education Ministry, and a family care department would hear the student’s testimony to determine the cause of absence from school.
The parent would then be referred to prosecution for investigation before the case is referred to the court to hear it.
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