Freedom of Information Policy
The Freedom of Information Policy is as follows:
Article 1: Key Principles of Freedom of Information
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals' requests to access or obtain general (non-protected) information produced by public entities, regardless of source, format, or nature. This includes paper records, emails, computer-stored data, audio or video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other recorded information form.
The provisions of this policy do not apply to protected information, including:
-
Information whose disclosure would harm national security, policy, interests, or rights.
-
Military and security-related information.
-
Information and documents obtained under agreements with other countries that are classified as protected.
-
Investigations, inquiries, law enforcement activities, inspections, or monitoring related to a crime, violation, or threat.
-
Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations for issuing government legislation or decisions that have not yet been made.
-
Commercial, industrial, financial, or economic information whose disclosure would lead to unlawful profit or loss.
-
Scientific or technical research or intellectual property rights whose disclosure would infringe moral rights.
-
Information related to competitions, tenders, or auctions, where disclosure would compromise fair competition.
-
Information classified as confidential or personal under other regulations, or that requires specific legal procedures for access.
-
Principle 1: Transparency
Individuals have the right to know information related to the activities of the Fund, enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability.
-
Principle 2: Necessity and Proportionality
Any restrictions on requests to access or obtain protected information handled by the Fund must be justified.
-
Principle 3: Disclosure as the Default for Public Information
Every individual has the right to access general (non-protected) information. The requester does not need to have a specific status or particular interest to access the information, nor will they face legal accountability for exercising this right.
-
Principle 4: Equality
All requests to access or obtain public information are treated equally and without discrimination.
Article 2: Individuals' Rights Regarding Access to or Obtaining Public Information
-
The right to access and obtain any non-protected information from the Fund.
-
The right to know the reason for the denial of access to requested information.
-
The right to appeal a decision denying access to requested information.
Responsibilities of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF)
-
The Fund is responsible for establishing and implementing policies and procedures for accessing or obtaining public information, with final approval from the relevant authority.
-
The Fund must provide appropriate means (paper or electronic request forms) for individuals to request access to public information.
-
The Fund must verify the identity of individuals before granting access to public information, following the approved regulations of the National Cybersecurity Authority and relevant entities.
-
The Fund must set standards for determining applicable fees for processing requests based on data type, volume, effort, and processing time, by the Data Monetization Policy (if applicable).
-
The Fund must document all records of information access requests and related decisions to address misuse or non-responsiveness.
-
The Fund must establish policies for record retention and disposal in line with relevant regulations.
-
The Fund must define procedures for handling extensions, rejections, and relevant responsibilities, including notifying the regulatory body and office according to the administrative hierarchy and response timeframe.
-
The Fund must appropriately notify individuals if a request is denied, providing reasons for rejection, the right to appeal, and how to exercise this right within 10 business days of the decision.
-
The Fund must monitor compliance with freedom of information policies regularly and report findings to the relevant authority. Corrective actions for non-compliance must be documented, with notification sent to the regulatory body.
Article 3: Main Requirements for Public Information Access Requests
-
The request must be submitted in writing or electronically.
-
The request form must include the following fields:
-
Requester's name
-
National ID number
-
Mobile number
-
Region
-
Email address
-
Request title
-
Description of the requested information
-
Purpose of the request and legal basis
-
The request must be for public information access or retrieval.
-
Requests must be submitted via email to FOI@hrdf.org.sa.
Main Steps for Requesting Access to Public Information
-
Submission: Requests are submitted via email to FOI@hrdf.org.sa.
-
Processing: The Fund will decide within 30 days of receiving the request to:
-
Approve: If approved, the requester will be notified in writing or electronically, with applicable fees (if any). The information will be provided within 10 business days after payment.
-
Deny: If denied, the Fund must provide written or electronic notice, specifying:
-
Whether the rejection is full or partial
-
Reasons for denial (if possible)
-
The right to appeal and how to exercise it
-
Extend: If the request cannot be processed within the specified timeframe, an extension will be granted based on the volume and nature of the request, with notification of:
-
Extension notice and expected completion date
-
Reasons for delay
-
The right to appeal the extension
-
Notify: If the requested information is available on the Fund's website or outside its jurisdiction, the requester will be informed in writing or electronically, specifying:
-
The type of notification (e.g., the data is publicly available or outside the Fund’s scope)
-
The right to appeal this notification
-
Appeal: If a request is denied, the requester can file a written or electronic appeal within 10 business days of receiving the decision. The appeal committee will review the request, make a decision, and notify the requester. Any applicable appeal fees will be refunded if the appeal is granted.
Article 4: General Provisions
-
The Fund must align this policy with its organizational documents, policies, and procedures to ensure integration and effectiveness.
-
The right to access information must be balanced with other necessary considerations, such as national security and personal data privacy.
-
Compliance with this policy must be documented regularly through established mechanisms.
-
Request denials or extensions must be formally notified.
-
The Fund must ensure that external entities it contracts with comply with this policy, including subsequent contracts those entities enter into.
Freedom of Information and Open Data
Open data programs and policies globally support national economic and innovation agendas. Providing public information to researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups fosters a business-friendly environment and reflects an open and transparent government.
Open data policies proactively preserve the right to public information access by making selected data available before formal requests are made. This approach reduces the volume of access requests, thereby lowering government processing costs.
Usage Policy and Disclaimer
-
Visitors and service users must regularly review the privacy and confidentiality policies for updates. The portal administration is not obligated to announce these updates, and using the portal signifies agreement to the terms and modifications.
-
The Fund is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exceptional damages arising from using or inability to use this portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What are the main principles of Freedom of Information?
-
Transparency
-
Necessity and proportionality
-
Disclosure as the default for public information
-
Equality
-
What details must my request include?
-
Requester's name, national ID number, mobile number, region, email, request title, information description, purpose, and legal basis.
-
Can requests be submitted anonymously?
-
No, they must include the requester’s name and ID number.
-
How can I check my request status?
-
By emailing FOI@hrdf.org.sa.
-
Can requests be withdrawn?
-
Yes, by notifying the Fund via email.
-
Are there restrictions on using the requested information?
-
It is for personal use only and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
-
Who can request information under Saudi Arabia’s FOI law?
-
Any individual with valid residency or a reason for the request.
-
Are personal details protected under FOI?
-
Yes.
-
What information is exempt?
-
Classified, confidential, or top-secret information.
-
What are alternative ways to access public information?
-
The Fund provides selected public data as open data before requests are made.
Policy Archive:
No archive available
