JEDDAH — Saudi courts have forced a total of 10, 937 child maintenance defaulters to cough up SR122 million ($32 million) over a period of 12 months, revealed Saudi Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The courts also warned them of stringent measures to safeguard children’s rights.

According to the MoJ’s figures, the Makkah Region tops the list with 3,893 maintenance applications for SR40 million; followed by Riyadh with 2,664 for SR39.6 million; the Eastern Region with 1,775 for about SR15.9 million; and Madinah with 792 applications for SR6 million.

“Any delay in paying child maintenance is considered an act of violence against children, liable to penalties under Child Protection Law”, said the ministry.

The ministry has also made several decisions to minimize hardship of families after separation and prevent any procedural disruption of their interests.