Divorced parents who violate custody settlements will be jailed for three months after a new rule designed to protect children’s rights came into force.

Ministry of Social Affairs sources told Al-Watan that the soon to be enforced law will cover parents who violate visiting rights as established by the court.

Children, if necessary, will be handed over to suitably equipped social centers and charities instead of the police.

Bayan Zahran, a specialist in family law, said a parent that has custody rights can prevent their children from traveling with the other parent and can also specify visiting times.

Zahran added that this would force both sides to abide by the law and protect mothers who tend to be affected by ex-husbands who violate custody rules