News developments Archives - Page 98 of 223

Saudi Arabia: Four New Private Economic Zones Launched

19/04/202319/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alsharqalawsat, 14 April 2023: The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has declared the launch of private economic zones aimed at enhancing and diversifying the economy, as well as improving the investment climate.

He has stated these economic zones will usher in fresh opportunities, utilizing the competitive advantages of each zone to bolster key sectors, including logistics, industry, and technology.

He has further highlighted these zones benefit from legal frameworks and regulations tailored specifically to economic activities, in a bid to position Saudi Arabia as a prime international investment hub.

For the full story, click here.

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Qatar and Bahrain Resume Diplomatic Relations

19/04/202319/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Almodon, 13 April 2023: Following the second meeting of the Qatari-Bahraini Relations Follow Up Committee, an agreement has been reached regarding the reinstatement of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Bahrain News Agency has reported the meeting resulted in a decision to “reinstate diplomatic relations between the two countries,” with both sides emphasising this step has been taken out of a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations and promote integration and unity within the Gulf.

The Qatar News Agency has also confirmed diplomatic relations with Manama have been restored.

In 2017, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt had severed their ties with Qatar over a blockade imposed on Doha, before signing a reconciliation agreement in Al-Ula in January 2021.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Regulations for Entrepreneurship Identity Implemented

19/04/202319/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Mubasher, 16 April 2023: Oman’s Authority for Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, “Riyada,” has announced the regulation for registering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and issuing the entrepreneurship ID card will be implemented from 1 May 2023.

These regulations were issued by the Authority in February of this year.

According to the regulations, an enterprise is classified as a micro-enterprise if it has ten workers or fewer and its annual revenue is no more than 150 thousand rials.

Small enterprises have between 11 and 50 workers and annual revenues ranging from 150 thousand rials to 1.25 million rials.

Riyada registers enterprises based on this classification, provided the enterprise is not owned by another large company.

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New Release: Explore Exclusive Insights in the Latest Edition of Lexis® Middle East – HR Alert!

13/04/202329/04/2024
by Benjamin Filaferro

Prepare to stay ahead in the game by grabbing the latest edition of our highly acclaimed HR magazine, the Lexis® Middle East – HR Alert! This essential publication provides exclusive insights on the latest updates in labour and employment laws, as well as valuable advice on HR policies and templates that are specific to the region.

With informative interviews featuring well-known HR professionals in the region and expert guidance on the most recent industry trends, this magazine is a must-read. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage – obtain your copy of the HR Alert’s latest edition now, for free!

In this edition:

Pay the Price: Changes to the UAE Wage Protection Scheme

The UAE Wage Protection Scheme (WPS) has been updated as of late 2022. Shiraz Sethi and Ali Al Assaad of Dentons break it all down and explain how the scheme works.

Off the Record Employees

Crowe’s accounting specialists, Markus Susilo, Alessandro Valente, and Deepika Chandak, analyse the current trends that are reducing the adoption of Employer of Record (EOR) structures in the GCC region. They highlight the latest advancements that may diminish the attractiveness of this alternative for multinational corporations with a workforce operating on a temporary basis in GCC nations.

News Round-Up

Get the latest on key developments across the region, including Oman’s Data Protection Law! The Oman Personal Data Protection Law (Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022) is effective from February 13, 2023, replacing the previous legal framework for data protection in Oman. The MTCIT is responsible for data protection, but employers must wait for the issuance of executive regulations before implementing the law.

Immigration Focus: A New Approach to Emiratisation Targets

Stay informed on the latest immigration updates in the GCC with Vialto Partners. Keep track of changes and make sure you comply with new regulations, including the UAE Cabinet’s announcement of new guidelines for companies with over 50 employees in mainland UAE to meet their Emiratisation targets.

Immigration Profile: Differences and Similarities

Ali Ibrahim, who serves as Vialto Partners‘ Immigration Lead for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and is also the Director of their Saudi office, highlights some of the variations between the two jurisdictions.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws – Privatisation in Saudi Arabia

Don’t miss out on the latest legal developments in the MENA region! Read on as Majed Bamarouf discusses the impact of a recent decision on the treatment of Saudi nationals in sectors undergoing privatisation.

Case Focus

Discover the most recent legal case rulings in the MENA region, such as a case involving an employee who postponed claiming their responsibilities.

HR Profile: Talent Management

Harpreet Singh, the Area Senior Director of HR for the Middle East and Africa at the Radisson Hotel Group, talks about talent management despite ambitious growth plans and labour market restrictions. Singh discusses how it is possible to manage all areas of talent in his company.

Practitioner Perspective: Labour Law Rights in the UAE’s Hospitality Sector

Mahmood Hussain Law Firm’s Waddah Abdulhaq highlights some of the labour law rights that apply to shift workers, including those in the hospitality sector in the UAE.

Moves and Changes

Stay up-to-date on the latest business happenings with our round-up of moves, changes, appointments, and promotions.

Policy Pointers: Notice and Handover

Sarah Malik and Saher Khan of SOL International Ltd explore the notice requirements for employment termination under DIFC Law No. 2/2019. Uncover the impact of service length on notice periods and the necessity of employee agreement for contract changes. Gain insights into the key elements of a successful handover of work and assets during the notice period.

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LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_March-2023

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – June and September 2022 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2023

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert – November 2022

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert – September 2022

UAE: Ministry of Finance Issues Decision on Exception from Registration for Corporate Tax Purposes

13/04/202313/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

10 April 2023: The Ministry of Finance has released Ministerial Decision No. 43/2023, which outlines exceptions from tax registration for certain entities under Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022On the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.

This decision is based on Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022On the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, which requires taxable individuals to register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority, except in specific circumstances.

Exempt persons, including government and government-controlled entities, as well as extractive and non-extractive natural resource businesses which meet the necessary conditions, are not required to register for Corporate Tax.

Additionally, non-resident individuals who only earn UAE-sourced income and do not have a Permanent Establishment in the UAE are also exempt from registration.

This decision aligns with international best practices, where exempt persons are not subject to tax, and therefore do not need to register with the Federal Tax Authority as long as they continue to meet the exemption conditions.

For the full story, click here.

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Saudi Arabia: Central Bank Adopts Apostille Ratification

13/04/202313/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Okaz, 11 April 2023: Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary of the Governor for Control has issued a circular to all banks in Saudi Arabia, referring to a decree which approves the country’s participation in the Hague Convention.

This means foreign public documents can be authenticated using an “apostille” certificate without the need for authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or diplomatic and consular missions.

The circular also outlines the process for verifying the certificate’s validity, in accordance with the objectives of the agreement.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Social Protection Law Under Discussion

13/04/202313/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alwatan, 9 April 2023: The Legal Committee of Oman’s State Council has considered the Economy Committee’s viewpoint on the Social Protection draft law and deliberated on the input from council members.

This has occurred during the Council’s tenth meeting, which was attended by the committee’s chairman and its members.

Such discussions are in line with the Council’s legislative and legal remits.

For the full story, click here.

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Kuwait: Working Hours for Disabled to be Cut

13/04/202313/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Arab Times, 6 April 2023: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued a circular to all government agencies, directing them to comply with the recommendations and instructions issued by the Public Authority for People with Disabilities

The circular directs compliance with the recommendations and instructions particularly with regards to reducing working hours for individuals with disabilities or those caring for them, during Ramadan or normal working hours.

The circular highlights the benefits and conditions outlined in Kuwait Law No. 8/2010 Rights of Persons with Disabilities for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers and emphasises all government agencies must implement these recommendations in accordance with the law.

For the full story, click here.

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Saudi Arabia: Foreign Trucks Must Provide Electronic Shipping Documents

06/04/202306/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Aleqtisadiya, 2 April 2023: The Public Transport Authority has announced the start of applying the electronic “Naql” document to all foreign trucks destined for the Kingdom.

The aim is to support the national carriers, ensuring fair competition, creating an environment to attract investments, and contributing to raising the level of safety and security for goods transport services.

The authority has added that the transportation document, is issued through the electronic portal through the “cargo documentation” service, and includes data of the sender and consignee, shipment information, the schedule of movables, as well as flight details, tracks and carrier data which are considered basic requirements for non-Saudi trucks to enter the Kingdom.

In addition, the Public Transport Authority has announced the conditions for using double-trailer trucks in the Kingdom, which are shipping trucks that pull a trailer or half a trailer to transport goods on lands and specific paths.

The requirements include that the establishment must have a valid license from the Public Transport Authority to carry out transporting goods on the roads, the truck must have a valid operating licence, and the driver needs a professional driver’s identity and a category one driver’s license of the appropriate category.

For the full story, click here.

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Qatar: Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs says e-screening of Haj applications rounded off

06/04/202306/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Peninsula, 30 March 2023: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced the completion of the electronic screening of Haj candidates for the year 1444 AH.

Priority was given to Qataris and residents who had not previously performed Haj, the elderly, and those whose applications were not approved in the past.

SMSs were sent to approved applicants to register with approved Haj campaign offices and sign a contract with them.

The approvals are given for a period of one week only, and there are 19 authorised campaigns.

For the full story, click here.

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