Saudi Environment: Electronic investigation of those violating the agricultural system

In a progressive regulatory step that aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's digital transformation, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture a new initiative aimed at fully digitizing enforcement and violation procedures. This move comes through a proposed amendment to Article 248, Paragraph 5 of the Implementing Regulations of the Agriculture Law, thus providing a robust legal framework for the use of electronic means in official investigations.

Details of the amendments and remote investigation powers

The new amendments grant the ministry broad powers, enabling investigators to remotely question those responsible for violations and anyone connected to them. This includes taking statements and verifying claims via approved digital platforms or any other technological means the ministry deems appropriate. This measure aims to eliminate the need for physical presence in many cases, thereby expediting legal proceedings and saving time and effort for all parties involved.

Digital documentation and rights guarantee

To ensure transparency and protect rights, the draft resolution requires investigators to document all proceedings of the "digital investigation" in a detailed official report. The report must include:

• Accurate data about the place and time of the start and end of the session.
• The investigator's name and official title.
• The data of the person being questioned, his activity, and his address.
• The details of the alleged violation, the questions asked, and the answers provided are accurate.

The regulations also stipulate that the report must be signed by both the investigator and the person being questioned. If the latter refuses to sign, either electronically or in person, this refusal must be officially recorded in the report, thus making it a legally binding document recognized by the relevant authorities.

The context of digital transformation and the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This measure cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which prioritizes digital transformation and e-government. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is a leading government entity in automating its services, aiming through this step to reduce paperwork, enhance oversight efficiency, and ensure swift resolution of issues.

The economic and environmental importance of the decision

This amendment is of paramount importance at both the local and national levels, as it contributes to:

• Enhancing food and water security: through the swift control of violations that threaten natural and agricultural resources.
• Environmental protection: through the activation of rapid and effective deterrents against practices harmful to vegetation or livestock.
• Improving the business environment: Digital procedures provide high flexibility for investors and farmers, reducing disruption to their businesses due to lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

By closing legal gaps and providing this flexibility, the ministry seeks to enable oversight teams to perform their duties with high efficiency, while fully preserving the legal guarantees for all concerned parties, thus enhancing the rule of law and protecting national assets.