| School-leaving age |
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216. In accordance with chapter 2 of the
Educational Policy Document, the period of schooling at the
elementary stage is six years and is available to all children
of school age.
229. The State has reaffirmed its capital
role, as well as its educational policy, in the strategies of
the five year development plans. The Sixth Development Plan
states as follows:
Article 1 of the sixth strategic basis states
that "Elementary education is mandatory for all boys and
girls"; […]
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| Minimum age of employment |
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36. The age of 18 years is defined as the
minimum age for admission to employment in the public or
private sectors. A child under 13 years of age is not allowed
to work even with the consent of his legal guardian. In this
regard, it should be noted that we very rarely find working
children in the Kingdom under 13 years of age, except within
the framework of their family and under the supervision of
their legal guardian, usually in non-strenuous work such as
helping fathers in their shops.
259. Moreover, the Labour Code prohibits the
employment of children under 13 years of age and restricts the
working hours of children to six hours per day, during which a
rest period must be granted. Children are not allowed to work
for more than five consecutive hours, at night or in heavy or
hazardous work.
260. The Code further stipulates that work is optional and
not compulsory for children. It recognizes the right of the
child to be protected from performing any work that is likely
to interfere with the child’s education or to be harmful to
the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or
social development. It also prescribes a severe penalty for
anyone who employs a child under the age of thirteen. The
Civil Service Regulations likewise specify a minimum age (18
years) for admission to employment.
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| Minimum age for marriage |
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33. In the social sphere, the regulations do not define a
specific age for marriage, as Islamic law regulates this
matter in a manner that ensures happiness for both spouses and
prevents the countless social dangers inherent in delaying the
age of marriage. In this context, it stipulates that a person
wishing to marry must have the capacity therefor. This
flexibility in Islamic law helps to close loopholes and
safeguard the interests of both parties.
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| Minimum age for criminal responsibility |
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31. The legislation applicable in the Kingdom
in respect of the definition of the child is as follows:
[…]
(iii) From 10 to 15 years of age, the child
shoulders some responsibility and the legal guardian provides
guidance and discipline without harming the child. He is
answerable, in an appropriate manner and in the presence of
his legal guardian, for offences that he commits and his legal
guardian is liable to make amends for his wrongdoing and has
an obligation to take care of him. If punishment is required
it takes the form of guidance, reprimand or placement in a
social surveillance centre. The child is disciplined only in
such a way as to ensure his or her proper conduct, without
harming the child; […]
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