Introduction to Orphan Care in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia places great importance on the orphan category through integrated care programs supervised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs aim to provide a decent life for the orphan in terms of material, educational, health, and psychological aspects, and to enable him to become a productive individual in society. In this article, we review in detail the most prominent orphan support programs in Saudi Arabia and the conditions for benefiting from them.

General Administration for Orphan Care

The General Administration for Orphan Care under the Social Rehabilitation and Guidance Agency is the responsible and supervisory body for all orphan affairs in the Kingdom. This administration develops general policies for the care of orphaned children and those in their care, and provides care and upbringing services in accordance with Islamic law, using modern scientific methods through care homes, social institutions, and social homes, in addition to following up on orphans in foster families.

Foster Family System

This system is based on a Saudi family taking care of an orphan child under the supervision of the Ministry and providing full care for him. The benefits provided to foster families include:

  • Monthly financial aid: paid for each orphan child, reaching 2,000 riyals for children under six years old, and 3,000 riyals for children aged six years and above.
  • Reward upon completion of foster care: A reward of 20,000 riyals is paid upon completion of the foster care period.
  • Social and psychological services: Regular visits from Ministry branches and the Mawaddah Family Development Association.
  • Educational services: Support for general education, domestic and international scholarships, and payment of tuition fees.
  • Health insurance: Inclusion of fostered orphans under the mandatory health insurance for the head of the household.

Marriage Support for Orphans

One of the most prominent support programs is granting the orphan (male or female) 60,000 riyals to support marriage, which helps them establish a decent family life and psychological stability.

Friendly Family Program

This is a program aimed at compensating orphaned children who are not fortunate enough to live with a foster family. It is done through friendly families who host them during specific periods such as holidays, vacations, and weekends, after which the child returns to the institution where he resides.

Care in Institutional Care

For orphans who do not have foster families, the Ministry provides care in nurseries, social education homes, and social homes, and the services include:

  • Full accommodation and comprehensive care.
  • Providing food according to health standards and under medical supervision.
  • Payment of monthly allowances and investment accounts.
  • Regular health follow-up and preventive medical examinations.
  • Providing appropriate clothing and entertainment and cultural programs.

Empowering Orphans and Rehabilitating Them for the Labor Market

The Ministry, through the Orphan Care Administration, seeks to enhance the independence of orphans by developing their skills through rehabilitation and training programs, and finding job opportunities that suit labor market requirements. Empowerment includes:

  • University education: Granting study seats in public universities and scholarships for study abroad.
  • Vocational training: Training programs to qualify orphans for various professions.
  • Employment: Providing suitable job opportunities after graduation.

Electronic Services

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has provided many services related to orphans electronically, including:

  • Printing the ID for foster families.
  • Requesting payment of marriage aid.
  • Applying for foster care requests.
  • Communicating with beneficiaries and responding to inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for foster care for an orphan?

You can apply through the Ministry’s website

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development hrsd.gov.sa through the electronic incubation application service.

Does the financial aid for orphans include all foster families?

Yes, the financial aid is disbursed to foster families registered with the Ministry according to the specified conditions and controls.

Can non-Saudis foster an orphan in Saudi Arabia?

The foster care system is primarily designated for Saudi families according to the Ministry’s controls.

What are the most prominent associations concerned with supporting orphans?

Among the most prominent are the Kafala Association (Kafala for Orphans) and the Mawadda Association for Family Development, which cooperate with the Ministry of Human Resources.