The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the issuance of a new procedural guide for licensing non-governmental social institutions dedicated to serving people with disabilities, in a strategic step aimed at restructuring this vital sector. This step aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and empowering the most vulnerable groups, to ensure the provision of care and rehabilitation services according to the highest international standards.
The context of Vision 2030 and the empowerment of people with disabilities
These decisions cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the transformations underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the care of people with disabilities has shifted from a concept of “traditional care” to one of “empowerment and comprehensive inclusion.” Through these regulations, the Ministry seeks to create a well-governed institutional environment that guarantees the rights of beneficiaries and strengthens the role of the non-profit and private sectors as key partners in social development, while focusing on increasing spending efficiency and improving the outcomes of services provided to this valued segment of society.
Saudization of leadership positions and integrity requirements
The most notable aspect of the new guidelines is the explicit move towards localizing leadership in this sensitive sector. The Ministry has mandated that the center director be a Saudi national, holding a university degree in health, social work, or education, and possessing at least two years of practical experience. This decision aims not only to provide job opportunities but also to ensure the presence of leaders who understand the cultural and social specificities of the beneficiaries and their families.
Regarding the ethical aspect, the ministry has set strict conditions related to “integrity,” prohibiting the granting of licenses or management to any person who has been previously dismissed for disciplinary reasons or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, unless his reputation has been restored, in order to ensure a safe and reliable environment for beneficiaries.
Digital infrastructure and security standards
The regulations did not overlook technical and security aspects, imposing precise infrastructure requirements to ensure comfort and safety. These requirements included allocating 22.5 square meters of space per beneficiary in day care centers and 40 square meters in residential facilities. To enhance monitoring and security, the Ministry mandated that centers install surveillance camera systems covering all corridors and courtyards, with recordings to be retained for 90 days, facilitating review and verification when needed.
Promoting investment and protecting rights
In an effort to balance regulatory oversight with investment promotion, the Ministry facilitated the licensing of social programs within existing educational and healthcare facilities. However, to ensure the seriousness of the program and protect beneficiaries' rights, it mandated a five-year bank guarantee of 500 riyals per beneficiary. Furthermore, it established a strict closure mechanism requiring 90 days' prior notice to ensure uninterrupted service for beneficiaries and to provide them with suitable alternatives without causing disruption to their families.
