Officers Service Law in Saudi Arabia

The Officers Service Law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a legal framework governing the service of officers in the Saudi public security, general intelligence, and national guard in the Kingdom. Issued by Royal Decree in 1973, the law contains 161 articles, with several amendments introduced over time. It has remained the official law for officers' service since its inception.

The Officers Service Law in the Kingdom covers definitions, ranks and appointments, seniority, officer files and efficiency reports, duties and prohibited actions, promotions and leadership priority, selection, transfer, attachment and secondment, salaries, allocations, allowances and bonuses, secondment and study leave, vacations, assignment and field allowances, suspension and termination of service, as well as officer committees and their jurisdictions, and general provisions.

The law encompasses all military officer ranks in the Kingdom, which are: Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General.

The Saudi Officers Service Law defines an officer as an individual holding a military rank. This includes several categories: a Staff Officer, who has graduated from the Saudi Command and Staff College or an equivalent institution; an Engineer Officer, who has graduated from a recognized engineering college; a Medical Officer, who has graduated from a recognized medical college, including specialists such as dentists, pharmacists, and veterinarians; and a Technical Officer, who holds a certificate of specialization in their field from a technical or vocational institute. Technical Officers include individuals qualified in areas such as tank, aircraft, automotive, and naval mechanics; armament (small and heavy weapons, precision instruments); surveying engineering; electrical signaling and its maintenance; ammunition; technical devices such as aircraft equipment and radar; as well as specialties like music and the storage of aircraft equipment and technical gear.

The Officers Service Law in the Kingdom mandates that officers must be of Saudi origin and birth, with an exception for those born and raised abroad while their fathers were serving the country. Candidates for appointment must be medically fit, free of physical and mental illnesses, possess good character and reputation, and have no criminal record involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

Graduates of military colleges are appointed to officer ranks in accordance with the Officers Service Law. This includes institutions, both Saudi and foreign, whose certificates are equivalent to those of domestic military colleges, as well as graduates of scientific, theoretical, or technical institutes needed by the military for their specialized skills. No exceptions to this law are allowed without a decision from the Council of Ministers.

Officers are appointed by a decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces based on a proposal from the Prime Minister and a recommendation from the Minister of Defense. Upon graduating with the rank of lieutenant, officers undergo a two-year probationary period. Based on the results of evaluation reports during this period, they may either be confirmed in their position or dismissed, unless they qualify for promotion to a higher rank, in which case they may be reinstated or exempted.

Efficiency reports for officers in the Officers Service Law in the Kingdom are prepared for different periods. Probationary lieutenants are evaluated every six months, while officers from the rank of First Lieutenant to Brigadier General receive annual reports. For officers working outside the Kingdom, the reports are prepared by the entities they serve. Each officer has the right to contest the report's results within two weeks of its issuance.

Officers are expected to perform their duties efficiently, completing tasks in the best possible manner and in the shortest time, dedicating all their efforts to their official responsibilities.

Officers with ranks from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel are promoted per seniority in Officers Service Law, taking into consideration their annual efficiency reports being satisfactory. Additionally, the officer must spend the minimum period required in his rank and be fully qualified.

The Saudi Officers Service Law in the Kingdom prohibits officers from publishing official information without prior approval from the competent authorities. This restriction remains in effect even after the officer leaves service. Officers are also forbidden from abandoning their duties or ceasing their work for any reason without formal authorization from their superiors. They are not allowed to express political opinions, engage in political activities, attend meetings of politically-oriented organizations, encourage such groups, hold meetings to criticize the government, or participate in any politically-driven procedures.

The law further prohibits officers from engaging in commerce or industry, whether directly or indirectly. This includes managing financial enterprises, serving as a chairman, board member, manager, consultant, or employee of a company or commercial entity, entering into business deals or speculations of any kind, or forming associations with any company or agency. Officers are also barred from engaging in any activity that conflicts with their official duties or affects their job performance. However, this prohibition does not extend to purchasing shares in joint-stock companies.

The law forbids officers from distributing political publications or bulletins, signing petitions, or engaging in any actions that could damage the reputation of the state or military forces. They are also prohibited from contributing to the editing or management of politically inclined newspapers and magazines, whether directly or indirectly. Officers are not allowed to provide information or clarifications on military matters, especially those deemed confidential by nature or by specific instructions, and this duty of confidentiality extends beyond their service. Additionally, officers are prohibited from retaining original copies of any official documents, even if they pertain to tasks they personally handled.

The law also prohibits officers from accepting gifts, gratuities, or grants from stakeholders, directly or indirectly, if intended to influence their official duties. They may not accept offers of financial assistance to avoid being swayed by individuals with ties to military departments. Furthermore, officers are banned from participating in the buying and selling of government supplies, assets, or real estate for profit or speculation, and from accepting any external employment. This includes working personally, as a representative, or on behalf of any individual or business, and performing tasks for others with or without compensation, even outside of working hours, unless granted special permission from the Chief of the General Staff. Officers are also prohibited from marrying non-Saudi women, with dismissal from service being a consequence of such a marriage.

The Saudi Officers Service Law outlines the grounds for terminating an officer’s service, which include: dismissal, retirement, conviction by a legal judgment, involvement in a crime that compromises honor or trust, expulsion by military order, medical unfitness, resignation, death or disappearance, loss of citizenship, or unexcused absence from work for fifteen consecutive or non-consecutive days. Termination of service does not exempt the officer from disciplinary proceedings.

The law stipulates that an officer’s resignation must be submitted without any conditions or restrictions; otherwise, the competent entity may refuse to consider it. An officer’s service will only end after a decision is made to accept the resignation. Additionally, the officer is prohibited from leaving their post if they have submitted a request for retirement or resignation until they are formally notified of its acceptance.