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An Internal Investigation Procedure outlines the steps organizations take to examine possible misconduct, violations, or concerns within their operations in Saudi Arabia. It guides how companies systematically gather evidence, interview relevant parties, and document findings while respecting local labor laws and Shariah principles.

These procedures help Saudi businesses maintain compliance with the Kingdom's anti-corruption regulations and corporate governance rules. They protect both the company and employees by ensuring investigations are fair, confidential, and follow proper documentation standards - from initial reports through to final recommendations and corrective actions.

Use an Internal Investigation Procedure when employees report potential misconduct, fraud, or violations of Saudi labor laws within your organization. This process becomes essential after receiving complaints about workplace harassment, suspicious financial transactions, or violations of internal policies aligned with Saudi Arabia's corporate governance requirements.

The procedure proves particularly valuable during sensitive situations like suspected corruption, conflicts of interest, or breaches of confidentiality. It helps organizations maintain compliance with the Kingdom's anti-corruption framework while protecting both the company's interests and employee rights through a structured, documented approach to investigating concerns.

• Confidential Internal Investigations: Detailed procedures for handling sensitive matters like fraud or harassment, with strict access controls and documentation requirements under Saudi privacy laws
• Regulatory Compliance Investigations: Focused on examining potential violations of Saudi corporate regulations, anti-corruption laws, or industry-specific requirements
• HR-Related Investigations: Structured procedures for addressing employee misconduct, workplace disputes, or violations of company policies, aligned with Saudi labor law
• Financial Investigations: Specialized procedures for examining accounting irregularities, suspicious transactions, or potential financial misconduct
• Ethics and Integrity Investigations: Procedures tailored to address violations of Islamic business principles and corporate ethical standards

• Legal Department: Develops and updates the Internal Investigation Procedure, ensuring alignment with Saudi laws and regulatory requirements
• HR Directors: Implement and oversee investigation processes, particularly for employee-related matters
• Compliance Officers: Lead investigations, maintain documentation, and ensure adherence to Saudi anti-corruption guidelines
• Department Managers: Support investigations within their units and help enforce recommended actions
• External Auditors: Review investigation procedures during audits and provide recommendations for improvement
• Board Members: Approve procedures and receive reports on significant investigations affecting corporate governance

• Company Policies: Gather existing workplace policies, code of conduct, and compliance frameworks aligned with Saudi labor laws
• Reporting Channels: Define clear mechanisms for submitting complaints and concerns confidentially
• Investigation Team: Identify key personnel responsible for conducting investigations and their specific roles
• Documentation System: Establish templates for recording evidence, interviews, and findings in compliance with Saudi legal requirements
• Review Process: Create clear steps for evaluating investigation outcomes and implementing corrective actions
• Confidentiality Measures: Outline data protection protocols and information sharing guidelines under Saudi privacy laws

• Scope Statement: Clear definition of covered incidents, misconduct types, and jurisdictional boundaries under Saudi law
• Reporting Protocol: Detailed procedures for submitting and receiving complaints, including Shariah-compliant documentation requirements
• Confidentiality Provisions: Rules protecting witness privacy and information handling under Saudi data protection standards
• Investigation Steps: Structured approach for evidence collection, interviews, and documentation aligned with local labor laws
• Rights and Obligations: Clear statement of all parties' rights during investigations, including Islamic principles of fairness
• Corrective Actions: Framework for implementing findings and disciplinary measures in compliance with Saudi labor regulations

While both documents deal with organizational oversight, an Internal Investigation Procedure differs significantly from a Audit Procedure in several key aspects. Understanding these differences helps ensure you're using the right tool for your specific situation in Saudi Arabia.

• Purpose and Trigger: Internal investigations respond to specific incidents or allegations of misconduct, while audit procedures follow planned, regular schedules to review overall compliance and operations
• Scope of Review: Investigations target specific issues, individuals, or departments involved in potential wrongdoing, whereas audits examine broad operational areas systematically
• Confidentiality Level: Investigation procedures require stricter confidentiality protocols to protect sensitive information and witness privacy under Saudi law
• Documentation Requirements: Investigation procedures focus on evidence collection and witness statements, while audit procedures emphasize systematic record review and compliance verification