RIYADH: The Kingdom鈥檚 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鈥檚 plan for the digital transformation of notarization, the fast-track scheme will enable a PoA (a written authorization to represent or act on another鈥檚 behalf in private affairs, business, or other legal matter) to be issued through Saudi missions around the world.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� a ministry statement said.

鈥淚n 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鈥檚 diplomatic missions around the world.鈥�

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: 鈥淭his will ensure a service offering greater ease and flexibility for citizens, and will save time, energy and money.鈥�

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. 鈥淲e consider this as further empowerment to citizens and businesses,鈥� Joudi added.