Statistics Department: No Fines Have Been Imposed on Citizens for Failing to Cooperate with the Census for 77 Years

Al-Taj News – Director General of the Department of Statistics, Dr. Haider Freihat, confirmed that his remarks during the conference launching the 2026 General Population and Housing Census did not include any threat to citizens of imposing fines or penalties if they failed to cooperate with census teams. He explained that his remarks came in the context of emphasizing the importance of obtaining data directly from its source, while respecting citizens and their privacy.

Freihat said Wednesday that the full recording of his remarks is available and can be referred to to verify what was said, stressing that he did not utter any statement concerning imposing a fine on citizens or threatening to do so.

He explained that the existence of citizens’ data لدى various government bodies and institutions does not mean that there is a single, integrated database containing all information, as the data is distributed according to the jurisdiction of each department. He stressed that obtaining information directly from citizens provides more accurate and up-to-date data that can be relied upon for planning, policymaking, and decision-making.

He explained that the purpose of researchers’ visits to households is not to “inspect” or interfere in citizens’ privacy, but rather to obtain data from its primary source, noting that the household visit is part of direct communication with the household and the completion of the information required for the census.

Regarding the discussion of penalties, Freihat explained that the General Statistics Law contains provisions regulating the statistical process and defining the responsibilities of various parties, including the Department of Statistics and its employees, statistical researchers, and individuals who do not cooperate with the statistical process.