News developments Archives - Page 48 of 223

DIFC: Case Management System Upgrade

19/09/202419/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The DIFC Courts will be upgrading its digital infrastructure with the implementation of a new, improved and streamlined Case Management System (CMS).

The new system implementation will take full effect as of 30 September 2024.

As a result, all DIFC Courts eServices will be suspended as of 4:00 pm on 26 September 2024, until 8:00 am on 30 September 2024.

Services affected during this system transition will include but are not limited to all filings (including claim forms and electronic filing cover sheets), payments of fees, Wills Registry, and bundling services.

Any deadlines that fall within the above stipulated period will be rescheduled to fall on 30 September2024.

Following the launch of the new system, all registered DIFC Courts users will be required to update their respective profiles via a link, which will be shared upon the launch of the upgraded system.

For any urgent applications to be made within the above stipulated period, please contact the Registrar on +971 50 213 8049.

For any further information, please contact the Registry via email: registry@difccourts.ae.

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Abu Dhabi: Interest Free Loan for Marriage Announced

19/09/202419/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Emaratalyoum, 13 September 2024: The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi has announced the start of registration for the six initiatives of the Emirati Family Growth Program (Nomu).

This program aims to enhance family formation and stability, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Family Quality of Life Strategy and the wise vision of the leadership.

The program is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family cohesion and support young couples and newly formed families of Emirati citizens in the emirate.

The six initiatives offer various benefits, including an interest-free marriage advance of up to AED 150,000 for those about to get married, a discount on housing loans up to AED 40,000, an extension of the repayment period for housing loans, extended maternity leave for mothers working in the private sector, rental assistance of up to AED 75,000 for newlyweds, and home visits.

These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting families and promoting a stable and nurturing environment for the growth and well-being of Emirati families.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: New Law Establishes Advertising Company

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 12 September 2024: A private joint-stock company (PJSC) named Mada Media Company has been launched.
This company is tasked with managing, developing, and operating advertising sites.
It is also responsible for investing in advertising technology, conducting related research, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The law allows Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality to delegate all or part of their advertising-related functions and permit issuance to Mada Media.
A concession agreement will facilitate the transfer and registration of advertising-related assets, rights, and obligations from government entities to the company or its subsidiaries.
The law outlines mechanisms for subscription and ownership of the company’s shares, the powers of its Board of Directors, and the human and financial resources it may use.
The company’s shares may be offered for public subscription in ratios determined by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

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UAE: Streamlined Process for Withdrawing Absconding Reports Introduced

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 6 September 2024: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced a simplified process for both domestic workers and employers to file or withdraw absconding reports.

This initiative aims to provide a fair and transparent resolution for all parties involved.

According to the new guidelines, domestic workers can initiate the withdrawal process through MoHRE’s website, application, or by visiting designated domestic worker centres or Tawseel vehicles.

The service is available in all emirates except Dubai, where it can be accessed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

To withdraw an absconding report, domestic workers must provide a copy of their Emirates ID, passport, and have a record of an absconding report lodged by their employer.

After filling out the application and paying the required fee (Dh115 online or up to Dh72 at business centres), MoHRE will verify the validity of the complaint.

Once approved, the worker can cancel the complaint without involving the employer within a week of the cancellation date.

Employers, on the other hand, can log into MoHRE’s portal or use their UAE Pass to submit an application for withdrawing the absconding report.

They must provide copies of the domestic worker’s Emirates ID and passport, and have a record of lodging a complaint against the worker for absence from work.

After paying the applicable fee and verification by MoHRE and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the employer will receive final approval.

The new process aims to streamline the resolution of domestic worker disputes, with the latest amendments mandating that such cases be taken up at the Court of First Instance as a last resort if an amicable settlement cannot be reached with MoHRE.

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Saudi Arabia: Waives Fees for Exports

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 8 September 2024: The Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced new customs service fees starting 6 October 2024.

The new rules include waiving the fees for all customs services for exports.

The authority has also reduced customs service fees for imports through a new mechanism for calculating import service fees, which involves a fee of 0.15% of the value of the incoming goods for customs declaration processing services.

Additionally, the Fee Document on Customs Services stipulates a fee of SAR15 for customs declaration processing services on individuals’ shipments arriving through online stores, provided that the value of these shipments does not exceed SAR1,000.

The ZATCA has clarified that the customs services for exports for which the fees have been waived include customs declaration processing service, lead seal, land port loading services, X-ray inspection, customs data exchange, and sample analysis exchange at specialised laboratories.

The authority has added that previously the customs service fees for imports included a charge of SR100 for each container inspected by X-ray, an additional SR 100 for “information exchange” services, and SR20 for customs declaration processing services.

With the new decision, the fee shall be based on 0.15% of the value of the incoming goods, including insurance and shipping, with a maximum of SR 500 and a minimum of SR15 and a special cap of SR130 for shipments exempt from customs duties and taxes.

ZATCA invites customers and taxpayers to contact it if they have any inquiries via the unified 24/7 call centre number (19993), its X Account (@Zatca_Care), e-mail (info@zatca.gov.sa), or instant chatting through its website (zatca.gov.sa).

The new mechanism for calculating import service fees aims to reduce import costs and enhance the importers’ capability to pre-calculate customs service fees for imports and set a higher limit for such fees.

The new decision also ensures the elimination of any cost increases against importers and unifies the calculation mechanism for the various land, sea and air ports while supporting and enhancing trade facilitation objectives.

ZATCA has also announced that through the new measures, it seeks to provide customs services in accordance with the best practices, leading to realising positive income across the logistics ecosystem and supporting its strategic objectives.

The new measures also aim to promote the confidence of importers and exporters and improve transparency.

ZATCA has reiterated its commitment to develop its customs services in line with its strategic objectives by contributing to turning Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub in line with Vision 2030.

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Qatar: CRA Unveils Network Neutrality Guidelines

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 8 September 2024: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has published new Guidelines for Network Neutrality to encourage a fair and competitive digital environment.

The new guidelines aim to protect digital media companies, ensure consumers have equal access to internet content without discrimination, attract investment to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and support the development of the digital economy in Qatar.

Network neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally, without discrimination or preferential treatment based on content, application, or user.

This ensures that all users have equal access to online services, protecting user rights and fostering innovation by providing a level playing field for all content providers.

The guidelines mandate that ISPs comply to this principle, that is crucial for promoting healthy competition, which encourages investment in Qatar’s digital economy.

Before being finalised, the guidelines were issued for public consultation to gather input from stakeholders across the industry.

This feedback helped refine the guidelines, addressing concerns while maintaining flexibility in pricing and innovation.

According to the Network Neutrality Guidelines, ISPs must clearly communicate their traffic management practices and service impacts.

CRA will monitor Internet ISPs compliance and engage stakeholders to keep the guidelines aligned with technological advancements.

As part of its broader strategy to enhance Qatar’s telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, CRA is focusing on improving connectivity and embracing digital transformation to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.

This aligns with the Third National Development Strategy 2024 – 2030, which prioritises improving residents’ quality of life and delivering services that meet global standards.

The guidelines signal to foreign investors that Qatar’s digital sector is open and competitive, contributing to Qatar’s economic growth.

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Oman: Reconciliation in Labour Violations Explained

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Atheer, 5 September 2024: The Minister of Labour has issued the Ministerial Resolution “Rules for Reconciliation in Labor Law Crimes” which allows violators to request reconciliation on condition that they pay a quarter of the maximum fine within 15 days from the date on which the approval is given.

The resolution states that the deportation of a non-Omani worker in two cases: if he works in a profession designated for Omanis or entered the country illegally, and the employer bears the costs of deportation.

It also stipulates the necessity of reconciliation within seven days of recording the violation, with the possibility of extending the period once, and the violator is not exempted from correcting the violation within 30 days from the date of reconciliation.

Article 143 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 53/2023 states that if an employer or representative fails to provide necessary facilities, or data, or provides incorrect information, they shall be punished with imprisonment from 10 days to 1 month, or get a fine of 1,000 to 2,000 Omani riyals, or both.

However, reconciliation is possible by paying a quarter of the maximum fine (500 Omani riyals) within 15 days of approval.

For the full story, click here.

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Kuwait: New E-Sick Leave System Boosts Productivity

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 9 September 2024: The implementation of a new electronic system for sick leave for government employees has proven to be a resounding success, leading to significant improvements in productivity and a substantial reduction in visits to primary healthcare centres.

This innovative initiative by the Health Ministry has yielded remarkable results since its launch, aligning seamlessly with the goals of Kuwait Decision No. 29/2023 which amended the rules and provisions of sick leave.

The new system, accessible through the Health Ministry app and the ‘Sahel’ app, has streamlined the process of obtaining sick leave electronically.

This has not only increased productivity within health facilities but also decreased the number of visits to primary care centres substantially.

By the end of March 2024, the system had demonstrated its effectiveness, and this positive trend continued into the second quarter of the year.

Compelling statistics reveal that from October 2023 to June 2024, the total number of visits to primary care centres dropped by an astonishing 2,095,797 compared to the same period in the previous year.

This reduction translates to an average of 232,644 fewer visits per month, marking a significant shift in the management of health resources.

Furthermore, the average number of visits to each primary care centre saw a remarkable decrease of over 2,000 visits per month, reflecting a positive change in the efficiency of medical services.

In the second quarter of 2024 alone, the number of visits to primary care centres dropped by an impressive 17.7% compared to the same period in 2023.

Between April and June 2024, a total of 2,802,755 visits were recorded, compared to 3,404,451 visits during the same period in the previous year.

The data has also highlighted a decline in the number of unnecessary prescriptions and medications dispensed, further contributing to enhanced productivity and reduced costs.

This decline can be attributed to fewer unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities, thanks to the electronic system’s convenience.

The electronic system, which currently issues one-day sick leaves, has been widely embraced by users for its convenience and efficiency.

Employees can now request and receive approval for sick leave via the app, eliminating the need to visit health centres for short-term leave, saving both time and effort.

Evaluations have confirmed that medical staff are highly satisfied with the new system, as it has saved over 50,000 working hours per month.

These hours, which were previously spent processing sick leave requests, are now being redirected to provide higher-quality care to patients, thereby improving the overall quality of health services.

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Dubai: Amnesty for Residency Violators

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Emaratalyoum, 5 September 2024: The Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution has announced an opportunity for individuals who have violated the residency system in the country and have pending cases or escape reports against them.

They must visit the settlement centres during the deadline set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, which continues until 30 October 2024.

They can either amend their status by leaving the country or staying in it to work.

The Head of the Prosecution has confirmed that people with cases due to residency violations or escape reports will be allowed to settle their status and close their cases completely.

The initiative aims to implement human concepts and values, amend the status of violators, waive any outstanding fines, and provide job opportunities for those who wish to remain in the country.

For the full story, click here.

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Bahrain: Electronic Government Launches Appointments National System

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Alayam, 3 September 2024: The CEO of the Information & eGovernment Authority has announced the official launch of the National Appointments System and the (Mawaeed) application available on the eGovernment Apps Store.

This initiative aligns with the government’s directives and supports the priorities of the government program (2023-2026) to digitise government services and transactions comprehensively.

The appointment system and application were implemented by the Interior Ministry and the Information and eGovernment Authority.

After a successful trial phase, 18 new service centres from seven government agencies have joined the system, including the Labour Ministry, the Social Development Ministry, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, the Public Prosecution, and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, bringing the total number of participating government agencies to nine.

The National Appointments System and the (Mawaeed) application aim to streamline and improve the delivery of government services, making them more accessible and convenient for citizens and residents.

This digital transformation initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernising public services and improving the overall experience for the public.

For the full story, click here.

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