Article 16 of the Saudi Contractors Classification Law

This article regulates the route of objection and the adjudication of violations, in four paragraphs:

1- Jurisdiction and composition of the committee: one or more committees consider:

• contractors' objections to classification decisions;
• violations of the provisions of the law and Regulations, and decide them;
• approval of the penalties provided for in Article 15, namely lowering the classification grade, suspending it and barring renewal for a period not exceeding 5 years, or canceling it.

The committee consists of at least 3 members, including a Sharia or legal specialist.

2- Its formation and decisions: it is formed by decision of the Minister for 3 years, renewable, and the decision names its chairman, who must be among those specialized in Sharia or law. Its decisions are issued by majority and must be reasoned, that is, state their grounds.

3- Work procedures: the Regulations set the rules and procedures for the work of the committee and its supporting team and the remuneration of their members.

4- Judicial grievance: a grievance may be filed against the committee's decision before the Administrative Court.

In practice, a contractor dissatisfied with his classification decision, or with a penalty proposed against him, presents his objection to the committee first, and may then file a grievance against its decision before the Administrative Court. The article does not set deadlines for objection or grievance, so one refers to the Regulations and the rules governing the court's procedures. It is advisable to use a lawyer specialized in administrative matters to prepare the objection.