FAQs

When the Ombudsman decides that a grievance that has been brought to his attention warrants an investigation, the complainant is informed of this decision and is given the name of the Investigating Officer who will be handling his case. The Office of the Ombud...

In admissible cases the Ombudsman first reviews the circumstances that have given rise to the complaint in order to establish the facts. On the basis of this investigation, the Ombudsman forms his independent opinion as to whether the action or decision under ...

The Ombudsman's final opinion cannot be reviewed unless the complainant can submit new evidence and information which were not available at the time that the investigation was under way and which may serve to put the case in a different light. It should be ...

The Ombudsman Act states clearly that the Ombudsman cannot enforce his recommendations and that he cannot overwrite the decisions and actions of public authorities in order to oblige them to comply with his final opinion and to provide a remedy. In terms of th...

The length of time taken to conclude a complaint depends on the nature and the subject matter of the complaint and the cooperation of the public authorities with the Office of the Ombudsman....

Resort to the Ombudsman institution, however, offers various advantages arising from the fact that the Ombudsman: is fully independent of government and of the public authorities which he investigates; conducts his investigations in a confidential manner...

Complaints can be lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman in the form of a letter, by email or by the appropriate complaint form, which provide all the necessary information about: • the government department, agency, or organisation which is alleged to h...

The Ombudsman does not accept anonymous complaints....

Persons who find it difficult or are unable to write their complaint may either phone the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Office or call at the Office of the Ombudsman to meet the PRO in person for advice and assistance. The Office of the Ombudsman i...

The Ombudsman investigates complaints by citizens who are of the opinion that there has been an infringement of their economic, social and cultural rights arising from maladministration caused by involuntary or intentional mishandling of executive power or by ...