The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Tuesday on issues of which Saudi nationals “should be aware before traveling outside the Kingdom”, urging them to heed cultural differences and avoid behavior that could lead to charges of child abuse and possible loss of custody of their children. The statement cautioned Saudis abroad against “treating children harshly and kissing them on the lips in public places” and types of behavior “unfamiliar to some cultures such as kissing foreign children, hugging them or talking to them without prior introduction.” Such behavior, the ministry warned, could lead to court action. Litigation could also emerge from “flattering remarks or displaying a fondness for non-acquaintances”, according to the ministry, as these “could be interpreted as sexual harassment and a crime”. The ministry also advised Saudis not to engage in conversation with children or teenagers on the Internet or to invite them to a private meeting at home or elsewhere. Keep it in the family The statement said that family arguments were in some countries a matter of police concern and that public action could be raised even if the case were dropped by the plaintiff. “Family disputes should therefore be kept within the realms of the family,” the statement said. The ministry observed that house helper staff or drivers with Saudi work contracts would be subject to host country laws on working hours, holidays, and freedom of staff movement, while local wage regulations also applied. Infractions could result in civil or criminal action, the ministry said. Further recommendations included turning up to court on time, only admitting police with search warrants, exercising the right to silence and the right to a lawyer, as well as cautionary advice on giving power of attorney.
