RIYADH: The Kingdom’s legal eagles have launched a new electronic system to allow Saudi citizens residing abroad to quickly set up powers of attorney (PoA).
Part of the Ministry of Justice’s plan for the digital transformation of notarization, the fast-track scheme will enable a PoA (a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or other legal matter) to be issued through Saudi missions around the world.
“The ministry has launched a system enabling issuance of an electronic PoA through Saudi embassies and consulates, allowing citizens to use those services instantly and saving them time and effort,” a ministry statement said.
“In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have implemented the system starting with the Saudi Embassy and consulates in Egypt, to be expanded later to the Kingdom’s diplomatic missions around the world.”
BACKGROUND
• The new system forms part of the ministry’s digital transformation of notarization, which started with the implementation of electronic PoAs in October 2018.
• Going paperless through e-notarization has enabled applicants to get low-risk PoAs issued via the ministry portal at without having to visit a notarial office.
Previously, a client abroad had to first obtain a paper version of a PoA from a Saudi embassy, and then post it to the Kingdom for certification by the ministries of foreign affairs and justice. Now they will be able to get an electronic PoA issued at a Saudi embassy which can be used immediately.
Under the new system, agencies will be able verify an electronic PoA through the ministry portal and clients can view the PoA and revoke it on the same platform.
Rabea Joudi, a legal consultant in Riyadh, told Arab News: “This will ensure a service offering greater ease and flexibility for citizens, and will save time, energy and money.”
It will also help speed up appointments for proxy clients on urgent matters, and the decision will strengthen the judicial system by reducing the number of absent legal representations in court hearings, he said. “We consider this as further empowerment to citizens and businesses,” Joudi added.
