Prostitution in Saudi Arabia is illegal. Prostitution is punishable by prison and flogging, unless the parties are also charged with adultery, fornication and sodomy, which can apply to both the prostitute and the client since all sexual activity outside a lawful marriage is illegal, in which case the punishment can be death.
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Human Trafficking and Forced Labor
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest consumers of domestic workers. Around 30% of Saudi's population of 27.3 million are immigrants from other countries. The Law requires that all of the expatriates in Saudi Arabia should have a employment contract while they are in the country. But with some unfair work practices such as sexual harassment, extreme working conditions, and other human rights violations, many try to escape their employers. Runaways are often kidnapped and forced into prostitution Prostitutes tend to be mostly from Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Kenya, Yemen, Algeria and Tajikistan. As of right now, there are no strict laws in force pertaining to human trafficking. In 2013, the government did not report any prosecutions or convictions of alleged human traffickers. Foreign prostitutes who are arrested by the Saudi vice police face deportation.
Sexual Culture
Contrary to popular perception, Saudi Arabia has a thriving sex industry. Reports have stated that young adults have been seen engaging in sex parties while using illegal drugs and alcohol. In addition, pornography is also easily accessible to the youth of Saudi Arabia. Anyone with satellite can have access to internet pornography.