Article 33 of the Saudi Accredited Valuers Law

This article sets out the more serious violations in the law, which are heard by the competent court.

First: the six violations

1. Practicing the valuation profession without obtaining a license.
2. Practicing the profession after the license has been cancelled or struck off or has expired without following the renewal procedures.
3. Opening, establishing or managing an office to practice valuation without a license.
4. Providing information that does not match the truth, or using unlawful methods, that resulted in a license being granted or renewed.
5. Using a means of advertising that would lead the public to believe the person is entitled to practice the profession contrary to the truth.
6. Impersonating one of the titles usually given to those who practice the valuation profession.

Second: the penalties

The court applies to those who commit these violations any of the penalties provided for in paragraphs (c, d, e, f, g, h) of item (first) of Article 32. According to the text of Article 32 as shown, these penalties include: suspension from practicing the profession for a period not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding SAR 200,000, cancellation of the license, striking off the register, and imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year. Paragraph (h) was added to the reference by Royal Decree No. (M/190) dated 22/11/1444 AH, and its content does not appear in the text of Article 32 shown here.

Note: a warning and a reprimand, which are paragraphs (a) and (b) of Article 32, are not among the penalties the court applies for these violations.

Practical effect: these violations protect the public from unlicensed persons and from those who claim the status of a valuer. It should be noted that Article 34 refers these violations to the investigating body to consider bringing the case before the competent court. Anyone facing an accusation of one of these violations should consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.