The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued information guidelines to inform Saudi nationals of the varying nature of legal procedures abroad and how best to protect their rights when traveling or studying outside the Kingdom. The guidelines, which have been made available at border exit points, travel agencies, and at bodies such as the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Higher Education, and embassies and consulates abroad, advise Saudis involved in legal cases to only speak in the presence of a lawyer and ensure attendance at court hearings to avoid in absentia rulings. Ambassador Muhammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Salloum, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs, said the guidelines focused mainly on areas involving business agreements and marriage and divorce procedures which may differ from country to country, as well as the pursuit of pastimes such as hunting and Internet use, and the formalities required for traveling with household help. The guidelines warn against taking family disputes to authorities, saying that public cases could still be brought against the defendant even if the plaintiff drops the case, while parents are warned of laws governing the treatment of children and infringements that could lead to the loss of custody.
