Scope
This policy applies to all individual requests to review or access public—non-protected—information produced by public entities, regardless of its source, form, or nature.
he provisions of this policy do not apply to protected information
- Information, the disclosure of which would harm the state's national security, policy, interests, or rights.
- Military and security information
- Scientific or technical research, or rights involving an intellectual property right, the disclosure of which would infringe upon a moral right.
- "Inquiries, investigations, enforcement actions, inspections, and surveillance operations related to a crime, violation, or threat."
- Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations for enacting legislation or issuing a government decision that has not yet been passed.
- Information that affects the ministry's interests, reputation, or personnel.
- Scientific or technical research, or rights involving an intellectual property right, the disclosure of which would infringe upon a moral right.
- Information related to competitive biddings, tenders, and auctions, the disclosure of which would compromise fair competition.
- Information that is confidential or personal under another law, or requires specific statutory procedures to be accessed or obtained.
Key Principles of Freedom of Information
Transparency: Individuals have the right to know information related to the ministry's activities to enhance the system of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions on requests to access or obtain protected information received, produced, or handled by the ministry must be justified in a clear and explicit manner.
General Rule of Disclosure for Public Information: Every individual has the right to access public—non-protected—information. The applicant does not necessarily need to hold a specific legal standing or a particular interest in this information to obtain it, nor shall they face any legal liability regarding this right.
Equality: All requests to access or obtain public information shall be treated on the basis of equality and non-discrimination among individuals.
Key Steps for Accessing or Obtaining Information
Key Requirements for Requests to Access or Obtain Public Information:
- The approved form provided by the ministry must be filled out.
- The request must be for the purposes of accessing or obtaining public information.
Key Steps for Requesting Access to or Obtaining Public Information:
First: Requests shall be submitted by filling out an electronic form and submitting it to the ministry.
Second: The ministry shall receive the request to access or obtain public information and take one of the following decisions:
1. Approval: In the event that the ministry approves the request to access or obtain information, whether in whole or in part.
2. Denial: In the event that the request to access or obtain information is denied, the denial must be in writing or electronically, and must include the following information:
- Specifying whether the denial of the request is in whole or in part.
- Reasons for denial, if applicable.
- The right to appeal this denial and how to exercise this right.
- Extension notice and the expected date for completing the request.
- Reasons for delay.
- The right to appeal this extension and how to exercise this right.
3. Notice:In the event that the requested information is available on the ministry’s website or does not fall under its jurisdiction, the individual must be notified in writing or electronically, and the notice must include the following information:
- Type of notice: For example, the requested data is available on the ministry’s website, or it does not fall under its jurisdiction.
- The right to appeal this notice and how to exercise this right.
Third: In the event that the individual wishes to appeal the ministry's denial of the request, they may submit a written or electronic notice of appeal to the General Department of the Data Management Office at the ministry within a period not exceeding (14) working days from receiving the ministry's decision.