News developments Archives - Page 32 of 223

Saudi Arabia: New Executive Regulations For Law Practice Come Into Force

21/01/202521/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 20 January 2025: The Saudi Bar Association (SBA) has announced the enforcement of the new executive regulations for law practice, effective from 15 January 2025.

These regulations replace the previous ones issued in 1423 AH.

The updated regulations aimed to enhance the organisational framework of the legal profession, aligning it with modern international best practices.

They also seek to strengthen the Kingdom’s competitiveness and improve its business environment by ensuring the availability of essential legal services for investors and business owners across various sectors.

The new regulations include significant updates and reforms, such as the repeal of the rules on disciplinary action and the filing and adjudication of related complaints issued in 1443 AH.

Additionally, the executive regulations for licensing foreign law firms, issued in 1444 AH, and the rules for mitigating conflicts of interest for former judiciary employees and their equivalents practicing law, issued in 1444 AH, will be annulled.

Key provisions of the new regulations address the qualifications and experience required to practice law, requirements related to the integrity of the Lawyers Registration and Admission Committee, cases where lawyers are transferred to the register of non-practicing lawyers, rules for law office operations, and procedures for lawyers seeking to suspend their practice.

The SBA has emphasised its commitment to leveraging its status and authority to positively influence the regulation of the legal profession and consulting services.

The association aims to elevate professional practice standards, ensure the ethical and efficient performance of legal practitioners, and increase awareness of professional responsibilities.

These efforts are intended to empower the legal profession and foster its economic growth.

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Bahrain: Parliament Approves Draft Law To Ban Conversion Of Visit Visas Into Work Permits

17/01/202517/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 15 January 2025: In a significant move to reform the labour market, Parliament has approved a draft law that prohibits the conversion of visit visas into work permits.

The proposed amendments target the 1965 Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Act, introducing a new article that explicitly bans the practice.

Additionally, the law includes provisions to annul any conflicting regulations and sets out guidelines for its implementation.

First introduced in May 2023, the draft law aims to prioritise employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals.

It aligns with the government’s long-term labour market strategy, which emphasises placing Bahraini citizens at the forefront of hiring while enhancing their skills through comprehensive training programmes.

The legislation reflects a broader effort to strengthen local employment prospects and reduce dependency on foreign labour in certain sectors.

The draft law will now proceed through the legislative process for final approval and enactment.

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UAE: Family Law Reforms

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 January 2025: The UAE’s newly introduced family law represents a significant modernisation of the legal framework, aimed at enhancing the protection of children and families.

Set to take effect in April 2025, this legislation brings about substantial changes in child custody arrangements, financial rights, and educational guardianship.

One of the most notable amendments is the extension of custody age to 18 for both boys and girls, reflecting a stronger focus on the welfare of children while respecting their growing independence.

Previously, custody was granted to mothers until boys turned 11 and girls turned 13.

Now, children at the age of 15 can choose which parent they wish to live with, provided the court deems their choice to be in their best interests.

In cases involving children with severe medical or psychological conditions, custody will remain with the mother unless the court finds an alternative arrangement more suitable.

The law also expands rights for non-Muslim mothers, allowing them to retain custody of their children from Muslim fathers beyond the age of five, subject to court approval.

This marks a significant departure from the previous law, which automatically transferred custody at this age.

The legislation introduces measures to expedite family-related disputes, with educational guardianship primarily remaining with the mother but now addressable by the Urgent Matters Court for more efficient resolution.

Parents now have one year, instead of six months, to file custody claims, with courts able to grant further extensions for valid reasons.

This adjustment ensures that technicalities do not override the best interests of the child.

Equal travel rights for parents are also established, allowing either parent to travel alone with their child for up to 60 days per year, with extensions possible in special circumstances.

The law broadens the definition of family support to include non-cash assistance, such as benefits or in-kind contributions, allowing families to meet their specific needs more effectively.

Wives can now claim backdated maintenance for up to six months and request increases in mandated amounts, with monthly alimony payments given precedence over most other debts.

Stricter controls have been introduced regarding the handling of children’s identification documents, with severe legal consequences for misuse.

Criminal penalties are established for custodians who violate travel provisions or fail to deliver documents to the rightful guardian, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding children and protecting family rights.

This new family law reflects the UAE’s dedication to fostering stronger family bonds and ensuring the best interests of all its members, in line with the country’s progressive vision for a modern society.

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Sharjah: Plans to Launch Rental Index to Reduce Disputes Between Tenants, Landlords

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 13 January 2025: Sharjah is set to introduce a rental index aimed at enhancing transparency in the emirate’s real estate market and boosting investor confidence.

This initiative will feature a map of Sharjah, enabling residents to view rental rates in their specific areas.

The rental index, developed by Sharjah Digital in collaboration with the Sharjah Real Estate Department, is anticipated to be unveiled during the Acres 2025 exhibition at the Sharjah Expo Centre from 22 and 25 January 2025.

The introduction of the index is expected to bring greater clarity to the rental market, thereby reducing disputes between tenants and landlords.

This move follows similar initiatives in other emirates, such as Dubai’s ‘smart rental index’ and Abu Dhabi’s inaugural rental index, both designed to increase market transparency and provide indicative rental values.

Industry leaders have expressed support for the index, highlighting its potential to improve trustworthiness in the market.

The initiative is seen as a positive step towards making the real estate sector more transparent and reliable for all stakeholders involved.

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Saudi Arabia: Announces New Benefits for Importers and Exporters

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 12 January 2025: Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of incentives aimed at enhancing trade within the Kingdom, focusing on import and export businesses.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has partnered with 14 government entities to fortify the Saudi Authorised Economic Operator Program.

This collaboration is set to offer new benefits and incentives to importers and exporters, fostering improved cooperation between government bodies and the commercial sector.

The initiative is designed to enhance the security of the global supply chain while providing significant advantages to participating businesses.

ZATCA, in conjunction with its government partners, offers a variety of administrative, procedural, and financial benefits tailored for importers and exporters.

Additionally, a specific category of benefits is available for logistics service providers, such as customs brokers and freight forwarders.

The revamped Saudi Authorised Economic Operator Program is pivotal in advancing the Kingdom’s logistics sector by streamlining trade processes and enhancing competitiveness through inter-agency collaboration.

This effort aims to facilitate trade, improve supply chain efficiency, and expedite procedures, ensuring seamless and flexible trade operations.

It also seeks to enhance access to global markets, complying with the highest international standards and best practices.

This initiative aligns with international trade security and facilitation standards set by the World Customs Organisation, with mutual recognition agreements playing a key role in fostering international cooperation and trade benefits.

Interested parties can find more information about the program’s advantages and conditions on ZATCA’s website.

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Qatar: New Legislation Enhances Procedures for Certified Document Handling

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

This legislation, Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 157/2024, aims to ensure the integrity and compliance of certified documents when dealing with foreign authorities and within the judicial system.

The legislation outlines specific guidelines for the acceptance and deposit of certified documents before foreign authorities.

It mandates that documents must be authenticated by competent authorities in the issuing foreign country and the Foreign Affairs Minister in Qatar.

In a significant move to streamline the handling of certified documents, the Justice Ministry in Qatar has issued new legislation detailing comprehensive procedures and regulations.

Additionally, documents must comply to local laws and public morals, with certified Arabic translations required for non-Arabic documents.

Furthermore, the legislation provides a framework for issuing additional executable copies of previously executed documents.

It specifies the conditions under which such copies can be requested, ensuring that applicants have a legitimate interest and that the original document was issued by the administration.

The transfer of original documents to courts or prosecution is also addressed, with strict conditions to prevent unauthorised modifications.

The legislation requires that originals be returned after their intended use, maintaining the integrity of the documents.

Appointed experts reviewing certified documents must meet specific criteria, including registration with the Justice Ministry and presenting judicial appointment orders.

The review process is to be conducted under the supervision of responsible administration employees.

In cases where translators from outside the Ministry of Justice’s experts’ list are needed, the legislation sets conditions to ensure accountability and accuracy.

This includes the absence of registered translators in the required language and written undertakings from concerned parties to bear responsibility for the translation.

This legislation, effective from its issuance date, marks a significant step in enhancing the management and legal compliance of certified documents in Qatar.

It highlights the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to maintaining high standards in document handling and ensuring the smooth operation of legal and administrative processes.

It aims to ensure the integrity and compliance of certified documents when dealing with foreign authorities and within the judicial system.

The legislation outlines specific guidelines for the acceptance and deposit of certified documents before foreign authorities.

It mandates that documents must be authenticated by competent authorities in the issuing foreign country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

Additionally, documents must adhere to local laws and public morals, with certified Arabic translations required for non-Arabic documents.

Furthermore, the legislation provides a framework for issuing additional executable copies of previously executed documents.

It specifies the conditions under which such copies can be requested, ensuring that applicants have a legitimate interest and that the original document was issued by the administration.

The transfer of original documents to courts or prosecution is also addressed, with strict conditions to prevent unauthorized modifications.

The legislation requires that originals be returned after their intended use, maintaining the integrity of the documents.

Appointed experts reviewing certified documents must meet specific criteria, including registration with the Ministry of Justice and presenting judicial appointment orders.

The review process is to be conducted under the supervision of responsible administration employees.

In cases where translators from outside the Ministry of Justice’s experts’ list are needed, the legislation sets conditions to ensure accountability and accuracy.

This includes the absence of registered translators in the required language and written undertakings from concerned parties to bear responsibility for the translation.

This legislation, effective from its issuance date, marks a significant step in enhancing the management and legal compliance of certified documents in Qatar.

It highlights the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to maintaining high standards in document handling and ensuring the smooth operation of legal and administrative processes.

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Oman: Early Pension Disbursement Announced Following Directives

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 14 January 2025: The Social Protection Fund has announced that an additional pension will be distributed ahead of the usual disbursement date, following the directives of the royal leadership.

This gesture reflects the ongoing commitment to the welfare of the Omani people.

The beneficiaries of this initiative include individuals receiving death pensions, retirement pensions, non-occupational disability pensions, and total occupational disability pensions.

The Social Protection Fund expressed its gratitude for the generosity and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the nation.

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Kuwait: Implements New Regulations to Enhance Employee Management and Data Accuracy

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 13 January 2025: The Health Ministry has announced the implementation of updated regulations aimed at improving the management of employees working under the “wage-for-work” system.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance organisational efficiency and update the ministry’s employee database.

The new regulations require all sectors to submit detailed information about authorised personnel who can approve worker lists.

This data, which includes the employee’s name, civil ID number, job title, and official email address, is crucial for ensuring accurate data entry through the electronic form.

Additionally, the regulations mandate the submission of a complete employee data sheet after data entry.

This sheet must be signed and sealed by the employee’s direct manager and department head before being sent via the Injaz program to the office of the Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs.

The updated rules also stipulate that any internal or external employee transfers will only be allowed following an official decision from the Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, contingent upon obtaining the necessary legal and administrative approvals.

Furthermore, all transfer decisions made in 2024, including those already approved, must be reviewed.

This review process will enable the ministry to address deficits and surpluses effectively.

These measures are designed to enhance work systems, ensure a fair distribution of employees based on actual needs, and increase transparency and data accuracy.

The Health Ministry has called on all relevant departments to fully cooperate to ensure the success of these updated procedures and achieve the desired outcomes.

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Dubai: Enacts New Fines for Foreign Banks

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

In a significant move to regulate foreign banking operations within the Emirate, the Executive Council has issued Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 101/2024.

This decision, effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, outlines a comprehensive framework for administrative violations and fines applicable to foreign banks operating in Dubai.

The decision, rooted in the provisions of Dubai Law No. 1/2024 on the taxation of foreign banks, aims to ensure compliance with financial regulations and enhance transparency within the sector.

It stipulates a range of fines for various administrative violations, with penalties escalating for repeated offences.

Key provisions include fines for delays in submitting tax returns and supporting documents, with penalties set at AED 1,000 for each day of delay.

More severe violations, such as submitting falsified documents, incur fines of AED 20,000 per incident.

Additionally, banks failing to report changes in contact information or the suspension of operations face fines of AED 20,000.

The decision also mandates that all fines collected will be directed to the Public Treasury of the Dubai Government, reinforcing the commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance.

This regulatory update underscores Dubai’s dedication to maintaining a robust and compliant financial environment, aligning with international standards and fostering a transparent banking sector.

The decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Emirate’s financial regulatory framework, ensuring that foreign banks comply with local laws and contribute positively to Dubai’s economic landscape.

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Bahrain: Recommends Extending Environmental Protection Appeals Period

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 10 January 2025: The House of Representatives’ Public Utilities and Environment Committee has endorsed a legislative proposal aimed at extending the appeal period for administrative decisions under the environmental protection and wildlife conservation law from 30 to 60 days.

The proposal highlights that the current 30-day timeframe may not be adequate for stakeholders to effectively challenge decisions.

Extending the appeal period would allow for a more comprehensive review before initiating legal action.

The proposal also points out that many Bahraini laws already permit a 60-day appeal period for administrative decisions.

For example, Bahrain Law No. 27/2022 concerning biological and toxin weapons allows for a 60-day appeal period following the rejection of an appeal.

While the Ministry of Oil and Environment and the Supreme Council for the Environment have refrained from expressing a governmental stance, the Supreme Judicial Council has stated that it is not within their jurisdiction to provide an opinion at this stage.

The proposed law is set for discussion and voting in the House of Representatives.

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