KATHMANDU: A youth from Tanahun, working in Saudi Arabia, was recently arrested near Riyadh for taking pictures and videos with a woman in a garden.
According to Top Narayan Giri, the information officer at the Embassy of Nepal in Saudi Arabia, the young man was wearing shorts and capturing photos and videos with the woman when he was apprehended by the local police.
In Saudi Arabia, it is prohibited for both local and foreign citizens to wear clothing with photos, graphics or slogans in public spaces. Additionally, the law prohibits taking pictures and videos with women in public areas.
The youth was released after paying a fine of 2,000 riyals in the presence of a representative from the Nepali embassy, as the woman he was with stated that she had willingly posed for the photos and videos. Giri said the Tanahun man, who was working at a shopping mall, avoided jail time due to the woman’s statement.
Another youth from Dharan was also recently detained by police for taking photos and videos of a VIP carcade. He had captured the images and videos while the carcade was passing by, and later posted them on social media. He was released after paying a fine of 3,700 riyals.
In September, a woman from Kathmandu was apprehended by Saudi police for wearing traditional Nepali Teej attire in a public space. She and other Nepali women had organized a Teej celebration program at a hotel in Dammam. She was arrested for taking photos and videos outside the hotel.
The program was canceled following the woman’s arrest. After the embassy apprised Suadi police of the cultural values of the Teej festival, the woman was released upon paying a fine of 700 riyals.
It is prohibited to take photos or videos of VIPs, their vehicles, or anything without permission in Saudi Arabia. Women are also restricted from wearing clothing that exposes their knees or shoulders. Giri warned that Nepali workers who violate these laws face harsh legal consequences, including fines.
“Taking photos in public spaces, livestreaming or posting on social media in violation of Saudi laws can lead to strict legal action,” said Giri. He added that the embassy has been advising Nepali workers here to be cautious, as such activities can have a negative impact on Saudi society.
Giri further said that some Nepalis in Saudi Arabia have faced legal issues due to allegations of ostentatious behavior. “The local police have been arresting Nepali workers for wearing gold jewelry, bracelets or shorts,” he said.
Some Nepali workers have also been legally detained for smoking cigarettes or consuming alcohol in public spaces.
