1999-08-15

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Procedures and Controls for ATM Machine Maintenance

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) mandates that all operating banks implement strict security protocols for ATM maintenance to prevent worker detentions and ensure continuous machine operation. Banks must notify local police of maintenance schedules and locations, restrict work hours to 8:00 AM through 11:00 PM, and ensure all technicians carry official photo identification permits. Additionally, institutions must maintain a 24/7 Saudi-supervised contact office, require maintenance contractors to display identifiable logos on vehicles and uniforms, and comply with existing physical security and cash transport guidelines outlined in prior circulars.

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Banking Inspection No. 6898/BC/287 Date: 4 Jamada I, 1420H

Circular To All Banks Operating in The Kingdom

Greetings,

Subject: Procedures And Controls to Be Observed in Maintaining ATM Machines.

We wish to infrom you that SAMA receives from time to time reports from Saudi police about the bank's maintenance of ATM machines. In view of the fact that maintenance workers are some times caught without having a permit which indicates their identity and the nature of the work they are doing; and since there are instructions and controls adopted by General Security and communicated to SAMA regarding the maintenance of ATM machines; and in our desire to see the ATM machines well maintained and smoothly operating all the time and the maintenance workers are not subject to questioning and arrest by the police, the banks must abide by the following instructions:

1 - The police operation room must be advised of the location of the ATM machine to be maintained, the day and hour of the maintenance job so that the police patrol in the area will provide needed protection. 2 - Maintenance workers must carry permits showing their name and photo stamped by the official stamp of their employer to be presented to security when requested. 3 - An office must be assigned and operating around the clock with a Saudi employee in charge and its phone number be communicated to the operation room in case of suspicion. 4 - The maintenance hours must be fixed between 8:00 A.M and 11:00 P.M. 5 - Maintenance companies and establishments must be required to have a special logo attached to their vehicles and worker uniforms so that the maintenance team is clearly identified by the security patrols.

We further wish to remind you of SAMA's circular No.485/BC/36 dated 7/1/1416, with a copy of the Security guide attached thereto, which includes, in several parts, thereof, the procedures and controls which cover all aspects of ATM safery and security as follows:

  • The part related to physical security requirements (P 10 and 11)
  • The part related to security and safety requirements (P16, 17, 18, 25 & 26)
  • The part related to internal procedures for the transport of cash (P10 & 11)
  • The part related to establishments security guide (P14)

The above mentioned parts included the location of ATM machines and the specifications of protection, feeding and alarm that have to be complied wiht.

Please be informed, advice same to your departments that are involved in feeding and maintaining the ATM machines and acknowledge receipt. If you have any questions regarding this subject you can contact banking examiner Mr. Nasser Al-Badr Phone No. 4662236.

Regards,

Assistant Director General of Banking Control Mahmoud Abdul Wahhab Nashar


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