Freedom of information process guide

PURPOSE

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Process Guide outlines how individuals can request access to public information held by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). It provides clear guidance on the submission, review, and appeal stages of an FOI request and explains how users can engage with PIF’s official website to obtain information in a transparent and structured manner.

This guide ensures that PIF’s procedures for handling FOI requests are transparent, accessible, and compliant with the FOI Policy issued by the National Data Management Office (NDMO). By publishing this guide, PIF reaffirms its commitment to the national principles of openness, accountability, and public access to information.

OVERVIEW

The FOI Process Guide provides an overview of how requests for public information are managed by the PIF in accordance with the regulations of the National Data Management Office. It outlines the key stages of the process, from submitting an FOI request to receiving a response or filing an appeal. The guide also explains the applicable timelines, communication methods, and available options for clarification or appeal.

INFORMATION EXCLUDED FROM DISCLOSURE

The following types of information are exempt from public access and disclosure, including but not limited to:

• Information that could compromise national security, government policy, or state interests if made public
• Documents shared with other countries that are subject to protection agreements
• Advice and consultations on proposed legislation or government decisions
• Sensitive commercial, financial, industrial, or economic data that could impact market stability or cause financial losses
• Research findings and intellectual property that could infringe on creator/owner rights if disclosed
• Information related to competitive processes (e.g., bids, auctions) that could undermine fairness
• Confidential personal data protected by law or requiring special procedures for access

GUIDELINES FOR REQUESTING PUBLIC INFORMATION

PREPARING YOUR REQUEST:

Submitting a freedom of information request:

1. Access the official FOI Request Form available here [Link]
2. Before submitting a new request, review publicly available sources such as the PIF website and the National Open Data Platform (ODP) to confirm the information is not already published

Completing a freedom of information request:

1. Provide accurate personal details, including your (full name, contact information, address, and ID number)
2. Specify whether you are submitting the request as an individual or representing a public or private entity
3. Clearly describe the public information you are requesting
4. Specify the purpose of your request, explaining the reason or objective for requesting the information
5. Provide the legal basis of your request
6. Choose your preferred data format for receiving the requested information (e.g., PDF, Excel)

REVIEWING RESPONSE PROCESS:

Approved:

1. If your request is approved, you will be informed of the approval and that your request will now be in progress

Rejected:

1. If only part of the requested information can be disclosed, you will receive the available part and an explanation for any information that cannot be shared
2. If your request is fully or partially rejected, you will receive an explanation stating the reason for the rejection and your right to submit an appeal within the defined timeframe

APPEALS PROCESS:

Grounds for Appeal:

1. You may submit an appeal to request a formal review of the decision issued regarding your FOI request
2. Appeals must be submitted within 10 working days from the date you receive PIF’s official response

Submission:

1. To submit an appeal, send an email to FOI@pif.gov.sa with your justification and any supporting information.
2. All appeals will be reviewed in accordance with PIF’s FOI Policy and internal polices for a final decision

Outcome Notification:

1. You will receive a written notification of the appeal outcome, stating whether it has been accepted or rejected and the justification for the final decision

RESPONSE TIMEFRAME AND CLARIFICATIONS:

Response Timeframe:

1. PIF will respond to FOI requests within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt
2. The response will include a decision to approve, partially approve, reject, or extend the request, depending on the nature and scope of the information
3. In cases where additional time is required, PIF may extend the timeframe to provide the information for one-time additional period not exceeding 30 calendar days, and the requester will be notified with the reason for the delay and the new expected completion date