SAMA received a letter from the Director General of Prisons No. 9/13346/11 dated 26/6/1423H, stating that some Prisoners wish to carry out certain banking services such as receiving remittances, withdrawing from their accounts, or opening bank accounts, Security instructions allow for their transfer to banks accompanied by guards, provided that the prisoner remains inside the vehicle and does not exit. Banking services should be provided to them within the vehicle by a bank employee, who will verify their identity and obtain their signature. However, some banks have refused to offer such service. Given the difficulties of bringing prisoners handcuffed and the associated security risks, a request was made to SAMA to approve the provision of these services to prison inmates.

In the interest of public welfare and the humanitarian circumstances of this segment of society, SAMA agrees that banks may fulfill requests for banking services for a prisoner, accompanied by security guards from the General Administration of Prisons, in security vehicles outside the branches, subject to the following conditions:

First: Obtain a letter from the accompanying guards from the prison administration in the city where the prison is located, addressed to the branch, specifying the prisoner's name, ID number, and the type of service requested. This letter should be kept in the client file or with the transaction record for that day, according to the service.

Second: The primary teller at the branch or any higher official should be assigned to meet the prisoner in the security vehicle outside the branch premises. They must verify the prisoner’s identity and complete the necessary data according to the bank's usual procedures, matching it with the records. The interaction should be direct with the prisoner for the requested service, including receipt and delivery. If the requested service is to open a new bank account, the guidelines outlined in the Commercial Banks Account Opening Rules Guide issued in Circular No. 5082/BCI/55 dated 2/3/1423H must be followed, regarding the required documents, ID validity, and necessary addresses, including referencing the prison location at the time of the account opening request.

Third: SAMA encourages bank branches to expedite the requested services for the prisoner upon their arrival.