RIYADH — Ex-convicts in the Kingdom say the attitude of employers toward people with a criminal record is rarely of a positive nature. Many ex-offenders believe that once a criminal record has been revealed, they stand a very small chance of obtaining a job interview. This undoubtedly leads to frustration as ex-cons find reintegrating into society and rebuilding their lives an incredibly difficult task. The issue has prompted officials to push a law that will cancel the criminal records of many offenders. “Although we have committed mistakes, we were punished and have repented to God. But society does not forgive us. It's like we have an incurable and infectious disease. I have a university degree, and while job-searching, I slipped into drugs and some immoral activities with my unemployed friends. We were arrested, served our sentences, and underwent rehabilitation. But after I came out of prison, it was difficult to get a job because of my criminal record,” said an ex-con on condition of anonymity. Another ex-con talked candidly about his experience, “Five years after I was released from prison, I got a job. However, I was fired when they found out later that the crime was still registered against my name. I could only find illegal ways to put food on the table.” Experts have urged the Ministry of Interior to adapt a mechanism that graciously deals with ex-cons who are eager to make a fresh start. They have argued that dropping their names from criminal records or withholding information of past misdemeanors will help ex-cons find employment and prevent them from relapsing into a life of crime. “In my view, criminal records are necessary to protect society from hardened criminals who pose a risk to the security of people. However to include all prisoners, especially ones who committed petty crimes, in criminal records is clearly not going to help those who wish to reform,” said Dr. Saeed Mahmoud, professor of criminal sociology. Abdullah Al-Silami, a lawyer and legal adviser, said that studies conducted by academics and specialists in criminology showed that having a stable job helps ex-convicts avoid returning to their old ways and said minor offenses should not be kept in an individual's criminal record out of consideration for the citizen's rights. Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Harthy, Director General of Prisons in the Kingdom, agreed wholeheartedly. “The continuation of criminal records has resulted in social, economic and psychological damage to the released prisoners. Moreover, this undermines all reform programs that we conduct in prisons.” A proposal that calls for the canceling of criminal records of ex-prisoners was approved by the Ministry of Justice and recently put forward to the Shoura Council for consideration. – SG
