Benjamin Filaferro, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Draft Amendments to the Commercial Companies Law Approved

14/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Commercial Companies Law promulgated by Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 proposed by Parliament, following a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. The amendment will facilitate procedures for attending General Assembly meetings on behalf of partners using special power of attorney, without having to be authenticated by the relevant authorities.

Weekly Spotlight

Weekly Spotlight: Foreign Capital Companies in Bahrain Authorised to Explore for Oil and Gas

09/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain has agreed to allow companies with foreign capital to own 100% of exploring for oil and natural gas operations in the Kingdom. The approval was contained in Bahrain Edict No. 10/2019 which has been issued by the King. The conditions for these permits include a requirement for foreign parent company to sign or be in the last stages of signing an exploration agreement with the Bahraini Government.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Details of Neom Freezone Announced

08/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

According to local newspaper reports, Saudi Arabian authorities have established a joint committee with the UK to introduce a visa-free document to allow Neom investors and employees to move freely between several Red Sea countries including Egypt and Jordan. Holders of this document will also be exempt from specific Saudi legislation. In addition, those who have this document will have visas and residency rights.

News developments

Abu Dhabi: First Golden Residence Permit Issued

08/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced it has issued the first golden residence permit in Abu Dhabi. The issuing of the visa follows the issuing of Cabinet Decision No. 56/2018 on permanent residence for investors. The Authority said it had started a communication programme with investors in the country who are eligible for this residence permit to make them aware of the new law and explain the benefits.

News developments

Kuwait: Overtime to be Regulated

07/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Health Ministry has asked all assistants, departments, health zone and hospital directors to list the employees authorised to work overtime, the work they do and how much they get paid. The aim is to ensure proper systems are in place for overtime and prevent profiteering. Overtime must also be approved by the Undersecretary and social media guidelines are also being drafted. Anyone who violates the guidelines will be punished.

News developments

Oman: Professional Visa Ban Announced

07/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Oman’s Manpower Ministry has announced a professional visa ban for sales and marketing professionals has been introduced. The ban is contained in Oman Decision No. 268/2019 and means the visa ban will continue for another six months from 31 May. It will not apply to visa renewals but will apply to new visa applications.

News developments

Qatar: University Degrees Now Required for Project Coordinators and General Supervisors

03/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Qatar in select professions, including Project Coordinators and General Supervisors, must now have a degree certificate to support their immigration process, even though it was previously not required. In addition to a degree certificate which must be legalised, the affected individuals must support their application with a transcript and university verification letters attested by Qatari consular post in the country of issue of a document.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: New Tobacco License Regulation Approved

03/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved a new Tobacco License Regulation which will mean cafes and restaurants in the Kingdom will have to pay up to 100,000 Riyals annually to sell tobacco products in their premises and outside them. It is the latest move to tackle smoking in the Kingdom. The Kingdom has signed up to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which aims to reduce smoking rates from 12.7 to 5% by 2030.

News developments

Bahrain: Draft Law to Increase Penalties for Social Media Misuse Under Consideration

03/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives has announced a draft law to increase the penalties for social media misuse is under consideration. It is part of Government attempts to clampdown on this misuse. Among other things, social media misuse covers defaming someone, insulting someone or spreading rumours.

News developments

Abu Dhabi Airport Freezone Launches One Stop Shop

03/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Abu Dhabi’s Airports Free Zone has announced it has launched an online One Stop Shop to make it easier for prospective businesses to set up in the Zone. Once businesses are registered, they will be able to use the online shop to view their company’s license, lease and employee and financial details. In addition, they will be able to use a company dashboard which will provide access to employment visa-related requests, letter and certificate requests, employment cards and access passes, registration services and licensing services.