In a significant step that enhances the efficiency of regulatory work and aligns with the digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has revealed a new regulatory approach aimed at fully digitizing enforcement and violation procedures. This move involves proposing an amendment to paragraph five of Article 248 of the Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law, thus providing a robust legal and procedural framework that allows for the use of electronic means in official investigations.
Details of the new amendments and the powers of investigators
Under the proposed amendments, the ministry will be granted broad powers to conduct investigations remotely into those responsible for violations and anyone connected to them. This mechanism allows for hearing statements and verifying defenses via approved digital platforms or any other technological means the ministry deems appropriate, thus eliminating the need for physical presence in many cases and expediting legal proceedings.
The draft regulations require investigators to document all proceedings of the "digital investigation" in an accurate official report. This report must include the location and time of the session, the name of the investigator and the person being questioned, their occupation, and their address. The regulations also stipulate that the details of the alleged violation, the questions asked, and the answers provided must be recorded precisely, and the report must be signed by both the investigator and the person being questioned. If the latter refuses to sign, the incident must still be officially recorded in the report, which will then serve as a legally binding document before the judicial authorities.
The context of digital transformation and Vision 2030
This decision aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and e-government. Following the success of e-litigation through the "Najiz" platform and the Ministry of Interior's digital services via "Absher," the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture seeks to implement similar models to ensure faster processing and reduced bureaucracy. This transformation is not limited to streamlining procedures; it is a fundamental pillar for increasing the efficiency of government spending and reducing operational costs associated with paperwork and physical attendance.
Enhancing transparency and oversight in the agricultural sector
Procedurally, this amendment helps close legal loopholes that could hinder the work of field inspection teams and provides greater flexibility in carrying out tasks and responsibilities. Documenting investigations electronically guarantees the rights of all parties through an immutable digital record, thus reinforcing the principles of transparency and integrity. This step will also expedite the resolution of agricultural violations, which is crucial for deterring practices harmful to the environment or water resources and ensuring compliance with the health and agricultural standards imposed by the Kingdom to guarantee food security and the sustainability of natural resources.
