Right to Information Policy
The Right to Information Policy establishes the fundamental principles, controls, and responsibilities for freedom of information activities at the Ministry of Justice. It aims to regulate the dissemination of public information, manage public information held by the Ministry, and promote integrity by ensuring access to public information as a human right, guaranteed through transparency and equitable access to enhance competitiveness and equal opportunity.
Who Can Request Information:
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Individuals have the right to access information related to the Ministry's activities to foster integrity, transparency, and accountability.
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Every individual may access unprotected public information without needing to demonstrate a specific interest or background, and they are not subject to legal accountability for exercising this right.
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All requests for access to or provision of public information are processed on the basis of equality and non-discrimination.
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Any restrictions on access to or provision of protected information received, produced, or processed by the Ministry must be clearly and explicitly justified.
Individuals' Rights Regarding Access to Public Information:
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The right to access and obtain any unprotected information held by the Ministry.
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The right to be informed of the reasons for any refusal to grant access to or provide the requested information.
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The right to appeal a decision to refuse access to or provision of the requested information.
Scope of Information Requests and Exclusions:
This policy applies to all requests by individuals to access or obtain unprotected public information produced by the Ministry of Justice, regardless of its source, form, or nature.
The policy does not apply to protected information, including:
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Information whose disclosure would harm the State's national security, policy, interests or rights.
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Military and security-related information.
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Information and documents obtained under agreements with other states and classified as protected.
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Information related to investigations, seizures, searches, or surveillance operations concerning crimes, violations, or threats.
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Information containing recommendations, suggestions, or consultations for legislation or governmental decisions not yet issued.
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Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature, the disclosure of which would result in unlawful profit or loss.
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Scholarly or technical research, or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would violate moral rights.
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Information related to tenders, bids, or auctions, the disclosure of which would undermine fair competition.
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Information deemed confidential or proprietary under other laws or requiring specific regulatory procedures for access.
Key Requirements for Requests to Access or Obtain Public Information:
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Requests must be submitted in writing or electronically.
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The “Public Information Request Form" approved by the Ministry must be completed.
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The request must aim to access or obtain public information.
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The request form must be submitted directly to the Ministry.
Main Steps for Requesting Access to or Provision of Public Information:
First: Requests are submitted by completing the “Public Information Request Form" (electronically or in paper form) and submitting it to the Ministry.
Second: Within 30 days of receiving the request, the Ministry will issue one of the following decisions:
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Approval: If the request is approved, in whole or in part, the individual will be notified in writing or electronically of any applicable fees. The Ministry will provide the information within 10 business days from receipt of payment. Non-open public data may incur a fee.
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Rejection: If the request is rejected, in whole or in part, the rejection will be communicated in writing or electronically, including:
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Confirmation of whether the rejection is full or partial.
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Reasons for the rejection, if applicable.
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Information on the right to appeal and how to exercise it.
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Extension: If the request cannot be processed within the specified timeframe, the Ministry may extend the response period based on the volume and nature of the information requested, and will notify the individual in writing or electronically of:
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The extension and expected completion date.
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Reasons for the delay.
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The right to appeal the extension and how to exercise it.
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Notification: If the requested information is available on the Ministry's website or falls outside its jurisdiction, the individual will be notified in writing or electronically, specifying:
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The type of notification (e.g., availability on the website or lack of jurisdiction).
Third: The right to appeal:
If an individual wishes to appeal a rejection, they may submit a written or electronic appeal to the Ministry's office within 10 business days of receiving the decision. The Data Management and Privacy Office will review the appeal and issue an appropriate decision.
Contact the Data Management and Privacy Office:
dmpo@moj.gov.sa
Relevant Legislation:
