Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved the new Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Law, setting forth stringent measures for addressing corruption among government employees. This legislation, effective 90 days after publication, mandates the immediate termination of government employees convicted of corruption by a court.
Strict Measures for Corruption
Under the new law:
- Termination of Employment: Government employees convicted of corruption will face immediate dismissal.
- Wealth Discrepancies: Employees and their close family members must justify any unexplained wealth accumulation. Failure to do so will result in legal action and potential confiscation of illicit funds.
Authority and Responsibilities
Nazaha will:
- Coordinate with relevant authorities for the recovery or confiscation of funds if an accused individual flees or dies.
- Handle financial settlements for those convicted of corruption crimes.
The law defines corruption crimes to include bribery, misuse of public funds, and abuse of power. Nazaha is granted substantial powers to monitor and detect violations, receive and investigate complaints, and conduct criminal investigations.
Independent Operation
Nazaha will operate with complete independence, focusing on enhancing transparency, protecting integrity, and combating corruption in public entities. It is structured with specialized units dedicated to various aspects of corruption oversight, including:
- Integrity protection
- Administrative and criminal investigations
- International cooperation
These units possess judicial-like authority to ensure thorough and impartial handling of corruption cases.
Related Links
155 Saudi Officials Arrested For Corruption
Corruption Leads To Fatal Building Collapse In Jeddah; Nazaha Arrests Key Figures
