Article 25 of the Saudi Arabian Nationality Law
المادة 25 من نظام الجنسية العربية السعودية
The article provides that all decrees and decisions on acquiring, withdrawing, forfeiting or regaining nationality take effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
جميع المراسيم والقرارات الخاصة بكسب الجنسية العربية السعودية أو بسحبها أو بإسقاطها أو باستردادها تعتبر نافذة من تاريخ نشرها في الجريدة الرسمية.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 25 explained in plain English
This article sets when the effects of decrees and decisions on nationality begin, making the date of publication in the Official Gazette the one that counts.
The provision covers all decrees and decisions on four types:
- Acquiring Saudi Arabian nationality.
- Withdrawing it.
- Forfeiting it.
- Regaining it.
The practical meaning is that a decision in any of these cases is considered in force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, and that date is the one relied on for the start of the decision's effects under the article's text. The article does not address the procedures that precede publication, nor how publication is done.
It is linked to Article 24, which makes the Ministry of Interior the body with original jurisdiction to implement the Law, and shows that declarations and applications are addressed to the Minister of Interior inside the Kingdom, and to political representatives or consuls abroad. Article 26 also punishes anyone who makes false statements to the competent authority or submits incorrect papers, knowing it, with the intent to prove or deny nationality.
Anyone about whom such a decision has been issued and who wants to know its effect on his situation is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in nationality and administrative cases.
Practical example
A decision was issued granting Saudi nationality to a resident in Makkah, then the decision was published in the Official Gazette weeks later. Under this article the decision is considered in force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentA question about Article 25 of Saudi Arabian Nationality Law?
Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.
- Completely free
- Lawyers from the directory answer
- Your name stays hidden
Administrative Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Administrative Law (Board of Grievances) lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Active contributor
Unwan Law Firm
Frequently asked questions about Article 25 of the Saudi Arabian Nationality Law
When does a decision granting Saudi nationality become effective?
It is considered in force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Does that apply to decisions withdrawing and forfeiting nationality?
Yes. The article covers decrees and decisions on acquiring, withdrawing, forfeiting or regaining nationality.
More articles on Definitions and Provisions of the Nationality Law
- Article 1
The article sets the official name of this law: the "Saudi Arabian Nationality Law".
يسمى هذا النظام " نظام الجنسية العربية السعودية ".
- Article 2
The article provides that the Nationality Law is not retroactive, and that valid decisions and nationalities granted under earlier laws remain in place as long as they rest on a valid procedure and proof.
ليس لهذا النظام أثر رجعي وتعتبر جميع القرارات والإجراءات الصحيحة التي تمت بموجب الأنظمة السابقة نافذة كما تعتبر الجنسيات التي منحت استناداً إلى تلك النظم قائمة
- Article 3
The article defines the basic terms of the Nationality Law: Saudi, naturalized Saudi, foreigner, minor, age of majority, and the scope of the Kingdom's territory.
الألفاظ الآتية تؤدي في هذا النظام المعاني الآتية: أ- السعودي هو من كان تابعا لحكومة حضرة صاحب الجلالة الملك المعظم طبقا لأحكام هذا النظام. ب- السعودي بالتجنس هو
- Article 24
The article makes the Ministry of Interior the body with original jurisdiction to implement the Nationality Law, sets how declarations and applications are submitted inside and outside the Kingdom, and lets the Minister authorize other employees to receive them.
وزارة الداخلية هي الجهة صاحبة الاختصاص الأصلي في تنفيذ هذا القانون والإقرارات والإعلانات والأوراق والطلبات المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام، يجب أن توجه إلى وزير الد
- Article 27Amended (1425 AH)
The article charges the Minister of Interior with issuing the Implementing Regulations of the Nationality Law within 120 days of the amendment's publication, and with issuing the decisions the Law needs.
يصدر وزير الداخلية اللائحة التنفيذية لهذا النظام خلال مائة وعشرين يوما من تاريخ نشر هذا التعديل، كما يصدر القرارات اللازمة لهذا النظام.
- Article 28
The article repeals the nationality law issued in 1357 AH and the earlier Hejaz and Hejaz-Najd nationality regulations, and any provision in other laws that conflicts with this Law.
يلغي هذا النظام نظام الجنسية العربية السعودية الذي صدرت الإرادة الملكية السنية رقم 7 / 1 / 47 في تاريخ 13 شوال 1357هـ بالموافقة عليه، وما سبقه ومن نظم خاصة بالت
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.