The General Directorate of Prisons has set up an office which advices inmates of their rights and their post-release responsibilities. A senior official of the directorate's branch in Jazan, Col. Ayidh Al-Abdullah, said his institution offers a number of rehabilitation programs to ensure that prisoners can merge back into society as productive members. "The directorate dignifies prisoners as human beings and has a human rights office. The staff at the human rights office are well trained to deal with inmates and are well trained to also deal with inmates with special needs," said Al-Abdullah. He added the purpose of prisons in societies is to rehabilitate the inmates and reform their lives. "The directorate cooperates with Jazan Education Directorate, Sibya Education Directorate, Jazan University, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and several schools to provide inmates with the chance to continue their studies and have employment opportunities after their release," said Al-Abdullah. He added inmates receive degrees and certificates equal to other students or trainees without any indication on the certificate or the degree that its awardee was a prisoner. "The inmates also receive social services from various charitable and national organizations. The directorate also has a psychiatric clinic to offer therapy sessions and consultancy. There is also a team for health care in various specializations," said Al-Abdullah. He added inmates with infectious diseases are isolated and are given full health and medical care until they recover. "We also have appropriate facilities for inmates with special needs. The directorate cooperates with the Jazan Islamic Affairs Directorate to raise awareness among the inmates and guide them. The directorate also offers lectures given by speakers from outside the Kingdom," said Al-Abdullah. He also said the department offers entertainment, cultural and sport programs and activities for the inmates. Jazan Prison Directorate General Director Col. Ali Abu Doshah said the department works very hard to maintain family ties of inmates. "We have hospitality facilities that offer temporary stay to inmates and their family members. The facilities have rooms and apartments for inmates and their families visiting them. The inmates and their families are given privacy to maintain the familial bonds. The building has two stories and a total of eight apartments and reception halls," said Abu Doshah. He added there are lockers available and everyone who enters is searched and inspected. "There are large apartments with three rooms for inmates, their spouses and children to stay in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tarahum Charity distributes meals to inmates staying at the facility and their families," said Abu Doshah. He added the Ministry of Labor and Social Development encourages the employment of inmates. "Labor offices give two points in the Nitaqat Saudization program to companies employing released prisoners. The prisoners receive training that gives them appropriate qualifications to be able to join the work force by the time they are released," said Abu Doshah.
