Guidance

Information pack for British prisoners in Saudi Arabia

Updated 15 July 2025

Chapter 1: How the FCDO can support and how to contact us

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Saudi Arabia and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others. Learn more about giving feedback.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission, or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

British Embassy Riyadh
PO Box 94351
11693 Riyadh
+966 (0) 11 481 9100 (select option 2 for Consular services) Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:30am to 3pm (local time)

British Consulate General Jeddah
PO Box 393
21411 Jeddah
+966 (0) 12 622 5550 (select option 2 for Consular services) Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm (local time)

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to help those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Saudi Arabia, notification by the authorities to the embassy normally takes place within few days to weeks after arrest.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available, we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)

What we cannot do

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs such as legal or translation costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing. If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police/ your criminal record in the UK

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Saudi Arabia and family

Visits

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Saudi Arabia for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Prison regulations state that only family members can visit inmates in prison. However, visit orders may be issued to non-family members in certain cases; you should raise this with the prison authorities. Conjugal visits may be allowed if married. Unmarried partners may be denied visiting rights.

There are likely to be separate allocated days for visits for men, women, embassies and lawyers. Everyone visiting a prison must bring ID with them.

Family resident in Saudi Arabia should be registered at The Directorate General of Prisoners as “Visitor” for a specific prisoner whom he/she wants to visit. Appointment should be booked prior to the visit via Absher platform.

Other visitors (work colleagues and friends) may be allowed to visit. To do this, you must request the FCDO submit an official request to the relevant authorities. Nonfamily visits request permissions are at the sole discretion of the prison authorities – we cannot guarantee the request will be approved.

For further information on visitation, family need to contact the prison management in advance. Calls should be from 8am to 2.30pm local time. For the ladies’ prison, generally only family members are allowed.

There are different rules in national security prison. You should check with prison management what the rules are with regards to visitation, ability to make phone calls and receiving legal advice during the investigation phase. If you have any welfare concerns regarding your detention in national security prison you can also contact the FCDO.

What to expect when you visit

Visiting days and times can be quite specific depending on which facility, or indeed which section of a facility you are being held at. They may change with no notice, so you or your family should find out this information from the prison directly. Visitors will be searched as well as any items they bring for the prisoner. It is likely that a police officer will be present or nearby during the visit.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors may bring reading materials for prisoners. The reading materials are required to be locally published and purchased; however, censorship is strict (avoid material with political or religious content, magazines, and pictures). Certain comfort items such as toiletries, clean clothing and foodstuffs are occasionally permitted, however all items will be examined by prison security on arrival and may be refused. Acceptance of any items is at the sole discretion of the prison authorities. Check with the prison all items you wish to take in before your visit.

Visits: consular staff

Consular staff from the FCDO will keep in regular contact with prisoners visiting personally. The frequency of visits will depend on local conditions and the individual prisoner’s circumstances. The FCDO in Saudi Arabia aims to visit prisoners every three months. If a prisoner would like to request a visit, they should call FCDO.

Prison visit requests are submitted online through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) official portal, and this can take some time to obtain.

Emergency trips outside prison

Permission for trips outside of prison in the case of an urgent situation (e.g. hospital check-ups, court sessions, is at the sole discretion of the prison authorities. It is very unlikely that overseas travel to the UK for urgent situations would be allowed.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When you arrive at the police station all your personal goods (phone, money, jewellery and other valuables) will be removed and held with the police until you are released. They will be kept in a box for safe keeping and all items will be documented and signed for. All medicines and toiletries should also be declared and handed to the authorities. If you require medication or medical treatment, make sure you make the officers are aware of this.

You will normally be allowed use of a police landline telephone in order to contact your lawyer, your family or the British Embassy. After this initial call your access to telephone facilities will be limited. At the time of arrest, you are legally entitled to request that the British Embassy or Consulate General be notified. If you are not able to speak to the Embassy yourself, you may wish to ask a friend or family member to do so on your behalf.

Your statement will be taken by the police and recorded in writing in Arabic which you will be asked to sign. All investigations will be conducted in Arabic. Translators should be available to interpret and are provided free of charge, however in practice this may not always be the case. You are expected to supply your own translator if you wish to have an independent one. You should not sign any documents you do not understand.

Appearing at court

If you are transported from prison to the court, you may be in handcuffs and leg chains. Female detainees may be required to wear an Abaya for court appearances. Read more information about the Saudi judicial system in Chapter 3.

Initial arrival at the prison

Upon arrival you will be subjected to a body search, your head may be shaved (males only). All of your possessions will be taken away and stored securely. However, if you wish you can arrange for someone to collect them on your behalf at a later date. You will be issued with a uniform. All other items of clothing, such as flip flops, t-shirts, etc. can be purchased from the prison shop or brought in by visitors, subject to the approval of prison authorities. If you rely on medication, you should alert prison authorities and they will arrange a doctor’s appointment. Extra clothing can be brought into the prison by visitors. Toiletries, food, water and bedding are provided by the prison authorities.

Prison: conditions and daily life

There are two types of prisons: general and national security prisons, and there are separate prisons for men and women. The security prisons are located in remote areas and can be in different cities. If you have for a security case, the Saudi authority will transfer to security prison.

If you are held in pretrial detention while the prosecutor investigates your case further, or you are sentenced for a criminal offense, you will most likely serve time in one of the main general prisons. However, for a criminal offense related to state security, you will be held in a specific national security prison.

Accommodation

Prison conditions in Saudi Arabia are relatively good. The cells in prisons are shared, they will be air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, and you will be provided with a mattress and a blanket. In some prisons, the accommodation is underground so you may have limited access to sunlight and fresh air. You will have reasonable access to shower and toilet facilities and drinking water in a communal area. You will be able to purchase toiletries or have them brought in

Food and diet

The usual arrangement for food in prison are as follows - three meals a day are provided, and the main meals usually consist of rice and meat. Fruit is provided once a day. Special dietary requirements will usually be met. You can buy food and personal supplies from the prison shop and are able to order food and other comfort items for delivery. During Ramadan, non-Muslim detainees will not be required to fast, however mealtimes may be adjusted. Clean drinking water is always available. Prison authorities are responsible for ensuring your food and diet while in prison.

Hygiene

Basic toiletries are provided by the prison, and you can also buy some extra items from the prison shop e.g. preferred brands.

Work and study

You should consult the prison authorities if work is available, if it is paid, and how long the hours are. This will vary. The learning opportunities for prisoners are limited and at the discretion of the prison authorities.

Contact and languages

You can be placed in the same block as other English-speaking prisoners if you ask, however it is under the sole discretion of the prison authorities.

Mobile phones and internet access are not available. You can access reading materials such as local newspaper and Islamic English books. Visitors can also bring in books at the discretion of the prison authorities. You are allowed to watch television, and English-speaking channels are available.

Exercises

You will be permitted to go outdoors daily, during specific times. The timings will change depending on the block. There are basic exercise facilities outdoors and prisoners can engage in team sports such as football. Regular exercise is not organised by the prison authorities.

Religion

Islam influences all aspects of Saudi life, including attitudes to crime and punishment, especially drug and alcohol taking. Islamic ritual and prayer are as much a part of daily life in prison as outside. During Ramadan both prisoners and guards go all day without eating, drinking or smoking, certain things may not be available during the normal times e.g. access to the library or access to the outdoors. Tempers can be short, so take extra care not to get drawn into any disagreements.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are explained to you upon their arrival. If the rules are not followed, punishments may be applied. A form of punishment could be removal of privileges i.e. no time outdoors, phone calls. You should consider cultural sensitives.

Prison: access to help and services

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, prison authorities in Saudi Arabia are responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. Medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. Any detainee with ongoing medical problems should be provided with the necessary treatment either in the prison or if required they will be transferred to a government hospital. You should raise any concerns with Consular staff at the earliest opportunity if treatment is being denied.

If you are concerned about your mental health, you should see the prison doctor and can request to see a psychiatrist. You are not able to access private healthcare while in prison.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of the prison authorities. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Parcels cab be sent through the Saudi Post SPL. For information about the terms and condition of the service, visit Saudi Post SPL.

There are rules about what you can and can’t receive. All letters and reading material are censored. This procedure means that it may be some time before they are actually given to you.

Pornographic or offensive material of any kind is strictly forbidden. If you are being held at a temporary holding facility or a police station, it may not be possible to send/receive post directly. You should speak to consular staff who may be able to assist.

Telephone calls

You may be allowed a certain number of outgoing calls a week as a privilege. The number of calls allowed can vary depending on the facility and call time is limited to five or ten minutes. Telephone cards for international calls may be purchased in the prison or brought in by friends and family. You are not allowed to have mobile phones and could be punished if caught with one. There may be restrictions on making phone calls in national security phone calls.

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

Private funds: family members who are non-resident of Saudi Arabia can deposit into the prison’s bank account. The General Directorate of Prisons at the Ministry of Interior open a unified account for remittances for prisoners from outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via IBAN (SA4380000504608010178847), which enables transfers to be made in accordance with several regulations.

Bank name: AI Rajhi Bank SWIFT Code: RJHISARIXXX The name of the prisoner to whom the remittance is intended should be written according to his passport

Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day).

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Please note there are additional restrictions for receiving money in national security prison. You should speak to prison management to confirm the appropriate arrangements.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible, take photos of your injuries.

Making a complaint about prison conditions

If you wish to make a complaint about prison conditions, you can report this to prison management or if the issue is affecting your welfare, raise with consular officials.

Chapter 3: What happens when you are arrested: the Saudi Judicial system

Overview

The Saudi judicial system is not the same as the UK. Islam is the state religion and the Saudi criminal law is based on Sharia law and is divided into two sections: Public Right and Private Right.

The Private Right section of the law allows an individual to claim restitution from another person if they are injured (either physically or materially) as a result of the accused actions. It also gives the injured persons legal heirs the right to either claim or waive the right to claim compensation or the imposition of the death penalty.

The Public Rights section of the law is the area of law that allows the judicial authorities to pursue and prosecute an individual suspected of committing a criminal act.

Civil ‘ Private Right’ cases are bail-able but Criminal ‘Public Right’ cases are not. A person accused of a Private Right offence would be asked to provide either a financial guarantee or an appearance guarantee, or both.

The Criminal Courts try capital offences against state security, property, criminal breach of trust, financial offences such as forgery, fraud, counterfeiting or cheating, and offences against the person. There are three levels of criminal court: the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. The Court of First Instance hears all cases initially and passes judgement.

The Civil Courts have jurisdiction over all disputes not heard by the Sharia Courts or the Criminal Courts, commercial and labour cases. In employment disputes the Work Relations Department of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs will look at the case first and try to assist both parties to reach a compromise. If no compromise is reached the case will be referred to the Courts.

The Sharia Courts (Family court) administer Islamic Laws. Their role is generally limited to the adjudication of disputes relating to personal status matters (such as marriages, divorce, inheritance, custody cases and child support), but they are also competent in certain criminal cases.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

National security cases are different from criminal justice cases and are processed in a different court called the Specialised Criminal Court. The legal processes around national security cases can be complex and slow. If you are detained, it may take some time for the Saudi authorities to grant permission for consular officials to visit you.

Judicial corporal punishment

The death penalty can be imposed for a wide range of offences including murder, rape, armed robbery, repeated drug use, apostasy, adultery, witchcraft and sorcery and for national security offences.

What should happen after arrest

After you are arrested the police have the power to detain you for up to 24 hours before referring the case to the Public Prosecutor. The offices of the Public Prosecutor are open 7 days a week. The Prosecutor may order that you be released, remanded in custody to await trial, extend detention for 4 days to allow time for an investigation, or released on bail. Note that the state security service can arrest and detain you for up to 30 days without referring it to the Public Prosecutor. You should ask to speak to the British Embassy as soon as you are able to make a call.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See list of local English-speaking lawyers.

Duration of remand in custody

When you are initially arrested and held in temporary detention, you may be held for a period of 5 days, which can be extended by a further 5 days by the public prosecutor, depending on the crime the individual has been accused of, until you are brought before the public prosecution.

After the initial detention, the public prosecution can request for your pretrial detention to be extended further for a further 35 days or permit bail.

You should not be detained for a period exceeding 6 months without being charged, unless it has been confirmed that the case will be referred to the criminal court or if your case is related to a national security offence. Where an individual will be detained for an extended period of time, this detention should be reviewed every 45 days.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Prisoners on remand will usually be held in temporary facilities, but if your detention was extended by a further 5 days you will be held at a section in the main prison, whereas sentenced prisoners will likely serve their sentence in Prison. Sentenced prisoners may have more relaxed conditions and have easier access to phone calls and visits from their lawyer/family/friends.

After you are charged

If the Public Prosecutor refers the case to court a date will be set for the first hearing. There is no time limit within which the case must be heard, however most detainees generally go to trial within one month of arrest. A judge will then consider the case. It may take longer for a decision to be made in serious or complicated cases. During Ramadan, and Eid holidays, hearings may be less frequent.

Bail

The Public Prosecutor may release you on bail, with or without conditions, while the investigation is ongoing. There is no automatic right to bail and where you are accused of crimes that attract a custodial sentence of 6 months or more, you may remain in police custody. It is not standard practice for passports to be retained but a travel ban will likely be put in place until the investigations are concluded. If your employment situation changes whilst on bail and you can no longer support yourself, it will be difficult for you to find employment whilst there is an ongoing case.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see our list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

You are generally entitled to legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial process, although this may be restricted in national security cases. There are provisions for state-funded legal counsel in criminal cases for those who cannot afford a lawyer. Investigations will be conducted in Arabic. An interpreter should be provided to assist in the investigation involving a non-Arabic speaker but this cannot be guaranteed; in all cases it is advisable to have legal representation.

Legal fees can be high; they vary in accordance with the case and the lawyer’s experience. Lawyers usually require an advance payment before accepting a case. In cases involving money the lawyer may ask for a percentage of the final settlement if the case is successful. Lawyers will usually submit a written defence statement for the judge to consider. Lawyers can discuss cases with the Public Prosecutor before they reach court and are provided access to the relevant government-held evidence. Consular staff cannot give legal advice. Consular staff are not legally trained, but they can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Trial

In hearing criminal cases, the Courts employ practices and procedures similar to those employed in Common and Civil Law Courts. A Public Prosecutor presents the case on behalf of the state, the accused is allowed legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial process and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Trials are held in open court and virtually depending on the case circumstance, but the presiding judge can close the courtroom to the public if the case is deemed sensitive, especially if the case is related to national security. Lawyers prepare litigants and speak for them during the hearing. Non-Arabic speakers are generally provided with interpreters by the Court, again this cannot be guaranteed.

Sentences

Penalties are stated in the Saudi Penal code and can vary from fines, prison sentences, and/or deportation. Corporal punishment may be given to Muslims, regardless of nationality. Capital punishment (death penalty) can also be handed down in Saudi Arabia.

If you are deported, you will be sent to the UK unless you express that you wish otherwise.

Appeals

An appeal against a sentence can be made to the Court of Appeal within 30 days, if the defendant was present in court. If they were not present, appeals can be made within 30 days of the publication of the judgement. In certain cases, a further appeal can be made to the Supreme Court within 30 days of the official notification of the Court of Appeal’s judgement. When considering appealing any decision, this should be discussed with your legal representatives. For national security cases, you can appeal against your sentence within the specialised criminal court structures and in exceptional circumstances to the Supreme Court.

If you consider lodging an appeal against a sentence, it should be borne in mind that it is not uncommon for the appeal court to increase the sentence if they consider the initial sentencing Judge has been too lenient. In all cases details of the initial sentence will go to the Appellate Court for confirmation.

Anyone sentenced to a custodial sentence is automatically deported at the end of the sentence provided there are no outstanding Private Rights issues.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Once you have served three quarters of your sentence, you can submit a pardon request of the remaining of the sentence to the prison authorities, provided you have shown good behaviour.

Early release

There are no provisions for early release on parole.

Clemency or Royal Pardon

During the holy month of Ramadan, Hajj seasons and around National Day, a Royal Pardon may be granted by the King and Crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Pardon decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis, there are no rules for success, and few are granted. Not all offences are eligible for consideration, especially for national security offences.

All pleas should be addressed to Principality. You should consult your legal representative to discuss the content. We have listed below some ideas on how you may make the best of your application. It may be helpful to submit your application with supporting letters. The most important will be from family members. Others could be from friends and/or a professional person who will support your case, e.g. your MP or lawyer. You may wish to include that you understand the seriousness of your offence, repent your past conduct, long for reunion with your family, wish to lead a socially useful life in future, and will never do wrong again.

It is best to send your petition for a pardon to the King one to two months before an important Islamic event such as occasions of religious importance i.e. during the two Eid festivals when the King may grant pardons to prisoners. You will normally have to pay off all fines before you are released from prison, unless you have been granted a Royal Pardon in which it is written that you do not have to do so.

Provision for clemency or Royal Pardon

Expatriate prisoners, arrested and convicted for public right with a penalty, not exceeding SR5000 are deported immediately after taking their electronic fingerprints. Your name will be added to the list of persons who are not allowed to enter the kingdom.

Expatriate prisoners arrested and convicted in the following crimes are usually excluded from being eligible for pardons:

• crimes against state security
• premeditated murder
• drug trafficking
• drug dealing, for the second time and more, provided that a precedent is recorded, otherwise they shall be immediately deported
• weapons and explosives
• money laundering
• crimes punishable by doctrinal provisions or life imprisonment
• rape, kidnapping, robbery, banditry, and armed robbery
• shooting security men while performing their duty
• theft committed by gangs of two persons or more
• offences relating to Saudi currency counterfeiting

With the exception of crimes relating to state security, if you have served half your imprisonment period, and both the public and private rights have been settled, you may be deported.

With the detainees consent, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office can express an interest in a pardon request the detainee or their family have submitted.

Financial penalties

If you were sentenced with a fine as well as the prison sentence, you must pay this fine before being allowed to leave Saudi Arabia.

Transfer to another prison within Saudi Arabia

Yes, if the Saudi Prison Service, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign/Interior affairs and local prison directors authorise the transfer. If you have been convicted, you will be allocated to a prison to serve your sentence. Transfers to other prisons are only permitted when there are exceptional compassionate, medical or safety reasons for doing so. If you are interested in a transfer, please speak to the Embassy who can raise your request in writing with the Saudi authorities.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

The UK Government has signed international agreement that allow British prisoners to be transferred from certain countries to the UK, including Saudi Arabia. A prisoner must apply for transfer; it will not be forced upon him, nor is it something that will be offered on a routine basis. There are conditions that need to be met.

Conditions for transfer

• the Prisoner must be sentenced and a British national
• you must agree to the transfer, or if you are not able to represent yourself, consent must be given by your legal representative or other person authorised to act on your behalf
• the judgement is final and no other legal proceedings relating to the offence or any other offence committed by you are pending in the transferring State
• you must have at least 6 months of the sentence to serve at the time the request for the transfer is made, although a request may be considered if you have less than 6 months to service, but this is in exceptional circumstances only
• the transferring and receiving States should both agree to the transfer
• you should have paid off, or guaranteed to pay off, all sentenced financial obligations, private or public, to the satisfaction of the transferring State

Right to transfer back to the UK

There is no automatic right to transfer back to the UK, even if you apply for a transfer, either country can refuse an application. You may write to the relevant organisations responsible for your application and request the reasons for the refusal, but there is no obligation for them to tell you why your application to transfer has been refused.

It can be difficult to decide whether you will be better off transferring back to the UK or not. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of transfer that people have indicated to us, which we hope will help inform you to make the right decision. The various points made here are explained in greater detail elsewhere in this factsheet.

Advantages

• conditions in UK prisons may be better, and you may be moved to an open prison
• there may be less violence or drug use in UK prisons than there is in prisons in many other parts of the world. Depending on where you are currently detained, your personal safety and well-being may be increased
• UK prisons offer work, training and educational opportunities, although these can be limited in some prisons. These may help to pass the time in prison, and more importantly, help you prepare for release
• you are likely to be closer to family and friends which may make visits easier
• your family may be eligible for financial assistance to visit you in prison in the UK through the Assisted Prison Visits Scheme (APVS)

Disadvantages

• depending on where you are currently detained, the prison regime may be stricter than the one you are used to, with longer periods spent in cells
• there can be a delay in information from the overseas authorities being provided to the UK and this can delay categorisation
• if the time you have to serve in the UK is relatively short, you may be kept in Wandsworth or Holloway and not transferred to another prison in the UK
• due to the way that the “balance to serve” is calculated (which can be based on the Hijri calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar), you are likely to serve more time than people who were convicted for a similar offence in the British system
• depending on where you serve your sentence, you could still find yourself far away from friends and family, but the Offender Management Unit (OMU) at Wandsworth will try to transfer you nearer your family if it is possible

Your criminal record in the UK if you don’t transfer

Scotland Yard will be informed of your case if you do transfer back, and your police record will show that you have served time in a UK prison. However, it is highly probable that the UK authorities will be aware of your detention abroad regardless of whether you transfer back to a UK prison or not, and there is a possibility that your overseas conviction will show up in checks when applying for jobs etc.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, all prisoners are required to declare their convictions if asked to do so, even if the offence was committed overseas, unless the conviction is “spent” after a certain period of time has passed. Prisoners Abroad has produced a fact sheet giving further information about this Act.

Release and deportation

Independent governments have the general right to decide which non-citizens are to be permitted to live within their territory and, therefore, the right to deport or exclude any of them in accordance with their own laws.

International practice is not to deport any person except to the country of which they are a national or to a country where they are acceptable. But international practice is also to consider carefully each case on its merits. Cases involving deportation to a country where there is a possibility that the deportee’s safety or liberty would be jeopardised on political grounds are also considered on their merits.

The Saudi Local authorities are not obliged to advise consular staff of impending deportations, and consular staff are not involved in processing deportations in anyway.

You will not be deported until you have paid any outstanding bills, or have any items that are that you own or are under your name (e.g. cars). This can significantly delay your deportation.

After your release

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888
Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Chapter 4: Additional support: Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098, Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

Glossary of terms

Useful English/Arabic words

English	Arabic
Amnesty / Pardon	Afou
Appeal	Isti’inaf
Application form	Istimarah
Bathroom	Hammaam
Blanket	Battaniya
Blood test	Fahes dam
Book	Kitaab
Case	Kadiya
Case number	Rakam al Kadiya
Central prison	Al Sejin Al Markazi
Clinic	Eyadda
Complaint	Shakwa
Court	Mahkama
Deportation	Tarheel
Deposit	Amanat
Doctor	Tabeeb
Embassy	Safara
Federal Supreme court	Al Mahkama Al Itihadiya
Food	Ta-Aam
Guilty	Mouthnib
Hearing session	Jalsat Al Mahkamah
Indictment	Al Touhma
Innocent	Baree’
Interpreter	Moutarjem
Jail	Sejin
Judgement	Mouhakama
Lawyer	Mouhami
Library	Maktaba
Money	Feloos
No problem	Ma fi Moushkila
Notary	Kateb Adel
Plaintiff	Al Moudaii
Police	Shurta
Power of attorney	Wakala
Prison Director	Mudis Al Sejin
Prison rules	Quaneen Al Sejin
Problem	Mushkila
Prosecutor	Niyaba
Release	Efraj
Security	Amn
Sentence	Oukouba
Sentence	Al Hokom
Sharia’a Court	Al Mahkama Al Shariaa
Sick	Mareed
Soap	Saboon
Telephone call	Moukalamat telephone
The accused	Al Mutaham
To buy	Ashtary
Tomorrow	Boukra
Visit	Zieyara
Ward number	Rakam Al Anbar
Water	Maa’
Witness	Shahed
Prisoners Transfer Agreement	Itifaqyat Tahweel Al Sujanaa
Murder	Qatel
Extradition	Tasleem
One	Wahed
Two	Ithnan
Three	Thalatha
Four	Arbaa
Five	Khamsa
Six	Sitah
Seven	Sabaah
Eight	Thamaniyah
Nine	Tesaah
Ten	Asharah

Disclaimer and feedback

This booklet was compiled by the Consular Section, British Embassy Riyadh. It is revised on a regular basis.

If any of the information contained in this booklet is incorrect, please draw inaccuracies to our attention so that we can make amendments.

The British Embassy in Riyadh is not accountable for the information provided in this booklet. Local proceedings are subject to change at any time.