Freedom of Information Policy is as follows:

Clause 1: Key Principles of Freedom of Information

Principle (1): Transparency

Each individual has the right to know information related to HRDF's activities to enhance a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Principle (2): Necessity and Proportionality

Any restrictions on requests to access protected information received, produced, or handled by HRDF must be clearly and explicitly justified.

Principle (3): Information is Open for Disclosure

Each individual has the right to view unprotected public information without needing a specific quality or interest in this information and without legal accountability related to this right.

Principle (4): Equality

All requests to view or obtain public information shall be addressed based on equality and non-discrimination between individuals.

For Viewing or Obtaining Information:

To request information, please contact datarequest@hrdf.org.sa.

Clause 2: Individual Rights to View or Obtain Public Information:

1. The right to view any unprotected information held by HRDF.
2. The right to know the reason for rejection if a request to view or obtain information is denied.
3. The right to appeal a decision to reject a request to view or obtain information.

HRDF Obligations:

1. HRDF shall be responsible for preparing and enforcing policies related to the right to access or obtain public information, with the primary official responsible for approving these policies.
2. HRDF shall provide both paper and electronic forms through which individuals can request access to public information.
3. HRDF shall verify the identity of individuals before granting access to public information, in line with controls set by the National Cybersecurity Authority and relevant entities.
4. HRDF shall establish criteria to determine fees for processing information requests based on the data's nature, size, required effort, and time, following the data monetization policy (if applicable).
5. HRDF shall document all records of requests to access or obtain information and decisions regarding these requests, and these records shall be reviewed to address misuse or lack of response.
6. HRDF shall document policies for retaining and disposing of request records per relevant laws.
7. HRDF shall document procedures for managing and processing extensions, rejections, and notifications to regulatory bodies, with tasks and responsibilities for the team specified according to the administrative hierarchy and specified response times.
8. HRDF shall notify the individual if a request is rejected, in whole or in part, providing reasons for rejection, the right to complain, and how to exercise this right within 15 days of the decision.
9. HRDF shall monitor compliance with freedom of information policies periodically, reporting to the primary official or their delegate. Corrective actions for non-compliance shall be documented, and the regulatory body shall be notified as per the administrative hierarchy.

Clause 3: Key Requirements for Requests to Access or Obtain Public Information:

1. The request must be in written or electronic form.
2. The <General Information Request Form> must be filled out.
3. The request must be solely for accessing or obtaining public information.
4. The form must include details on how the final decision and notifications will be sent to the individual (national address, email, or website, etc.).
5. The form must be sent directly to HRDF.

Key Steps for Requesting Access to or Obtaining Public Information:

First: Requests are submitted by sending an email to datarequest@hrdf.org.sa.

Second: Within a specified period of 30 days after receiving the request, HRDF will take one of the following decisions:

1. Approval: If HRDF approves the request in whole or in part, the individual shall be notified in writing or electronically of any applicable fees. Information must be provided within 10 working days after receiving payment.
2. Rejection: If the request is rejected, the individual shall be notified in writing or electronically, including the following:
• Whether the request was rejected in whole or in part
• Reasons for rejection, if applicable
• The right to complain and how to exercise this right
3. Extension: If the request cannot be processed in the specified time, the response period may be extended based on the size and nature of the requested information (e.g., an additional 30 days). The individual shall be notified of the extension, reasons for delay, and the right to complain about the delay.
4. Notice: If the requested information is available on HRDF’s website or outside HRDF’s jurisdiction, the individual shall be notified in writing or electronically, including the following information:
• Type of Notice: e.g., data is available on HRDF’s website, or is not within its competence.
• The right to complain about this notice and how to exercise this right.

Third: If the individual wishes to file a grievance against HRDF's decision, they can submit a written or electronic complaint within 10 working days of receiving HRDF’s decision. The Grievance Committee shall review the request, take an appropriate decision, and notify the individual of any review fees, which will be refunded if the committee approves the appeal.

Clause 4: General Provisions

1. HRDF aligns this policy with its organizational policies and procedures to ensure the intended purpose is achieved.
2. HRDF must balance the right to access information with other necessary requirements, such as national security and data privacy.
3. This policy must be followed and compliance documented periodically.
4. A notification shall be sent if a request to access public information is rejected or if an extension is needed to provide the information.
5. When contracting with other entities, HRDF must verify the compliance of these entities with this policy as per specified procedures, including future contracts.

Freedom of Information and Open Data

Open data programs and policies are globally developed to support economic and innovation agendas. Making specific public information available to researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups helps create a business-friendly environment, signaling an open and transparent government.

Open data policies enable proactive access to information by publishing certain data sets publicly, reducing the volume of access requests and lowering government processing costs.

Usage Policy and Disclaimer

• Visitors to the portal and users of its services should regularly review the terms of privacy and confidentiality for updates. The portal administration is not obligated to announce updates to these terms, and use of the portal constitutes agreement to them and any modifications.

• HRDF is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use this portal.

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