Justice Ministry crafts new law to target solvent debtors who refuse to pay

The Ministry of Justice is currently developing a mechanism to implement the newly enforced “Debtor Arrest and Bringing In” law, which came into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette at the end of last month.

The ministry has formed a special committee to coordinate with relevant government entities and ensure the law is applied in a way that protects the rights of both the creditors and debtors.

Informed sources told Al-Rai, the committee is evaluating procedures for arresting and summoning debtors, ensuring the debtor’s financial solvency and ability to repay are considered.

The Ministry of Justice has asked the Ministry of Interior to allocate a separate detention facility for solvent debtors — distinct from penal institutions — to preserve their dignity, since their detention is not criminal in nature.

Coordination is also underway with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and local banks to assess whether debtors hold commercial licenses or have sufficient financial capacity. The Real Estate Documentation Department has been approached to verify if debtors’ own properties or land, as part of efforts to establish solvency.

It is anticipated that a special prison will be designated for affluent debtors who refuse to comply with enforceable rulings.

In support of the law, the Secretary of the Lawyers Association, Attorney Khaled Al-Suwaifan, emphasized that executive imprisonment is not a criminal punishment but a legal tool to compel solvent debtors to comply with final judgments.