The Phenomenon of Child Labor in Saudi Society: A Field Study in Makah Region

Abstract

The study aimed to reveal the reality of child labor in Saudi society and to identify the social and economic factors that have led to the emergence of this phenomenon. To achieve the goals of the study, the descriptive analytical approach has been adopted. To conduct the study, an intentional sample of 200 children working in the provinces of Makah and Jeddah has been withdrawn by using the snowballs technique. Hence, The study found several conclusions, notably that the phenomenon of child labor in Saudi society is mainly linked to children of non-Saudi residents and violators of residency system who have been estimated to be 95% of the total study sample, and that poverty is the main factor that drives children to early involvement in work. Then, it also reveals that working children are liable to a range of physical, psychological and social risks and proves that there is a deficiency of the regulatory authorities and human rights in the treatment of this phenomenon. Finally, the study recommended activating the role of the regulatory authorities and human rights to limit the growth of this phenomenon and disseminate legal and cultural awareness about child labor