RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution announced on Monday that punitive measures, including up to half a million riyal in fine, will be slapped on all those who do not disclose the health-related information required by the concerned authorities at the Kingdom's entry points. This regulation will be applicable to all travelers, including Saudis and expatriates, coming to the Kingdom through its air, land and sea ports, as well as to those who are responsible for different means of transport or its operators, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Public Prosecution stressed the need for total compliance of Article 21 of the Health Monitoring Law related to the entry points. According to the law, all passengers arriving in the Kingdom on international trips, and those responsible for various means of transport or its operators in the entry ports, must comply with international and local health instructions and requirements, to prevent diseases that have a severe impact on public health. The law also stipulates that the competent authority must take all necessary preventive and remedial measures detailed in the executive regulations of this law, when any health emergency arises causing international alarm. The violator or operator/owner of means of transportation shall bear the damage caused due to the violation. The Public Prosecution stated that, in accordance with Article 26 of the Health Monitoring Law, a three-member committee, headed by a legal consultant, will be formed by a decision of Minister of Health, to consider any violation of the provisions of this law and its executive regulations. The committee will take decision with regard to the penalty taken under this law and submit it to the minister for approval. If there is a criminal act involved along with the violation, the case will be referred to the Public Prosecution to investigate into it in preparation for filing the case before the competent court, the statement added.
