Abu Dhabi: The Islamic and Judicial Affairs Committee of the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, also known as the Shura Council, demanded that the financial guardianship of a minor be lifted at the age of 18. But the guardian may submit to the court a request to continue the guardianship if necessary.
The committee found that this amendment has a basis in Islamic law as they provide for the preservation of the five necessities: religion, self, mind, honour, and money, so that they may live in this world safe and reassured of these vital basic rights.
The judicial committee pointed out that what is considered by the jurists in lifting the financial guardianship is to ensure adulthood and good disposition of money, because a child may reach legal age but he/she is still not rational.
In its report, the judicial committee says that regulations in Saudi Arabia almost agree to consider the treatment of those under the age of 18 as minors or juveniles. Laws in Arab countries mostly link adulthood to the attainment of a minor of eighteen years of age, and some give minors the right to prove their adulthood before that by court.
The Shura Council says this amendment came to take into account the conditions and interests of minors and society alike, as it achieves many interests and goals, including limiting cases of domestic violence committed against minors after they reach the age of 15, and before they turn 18, as courts witness some minors are victims of exploitation by their relatives, because of their young age, and their lack of awareness.
