Newsletter Archives - Page 38 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: Leads the Way in Disability Rights Legislation and Empowerment Initiatives

05/12/202405/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 3 December 2024: Kuwait has emerged as a pioneer in enacting legislation to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

The country has established specialised schools and provides comprehensive care, acknowledging both the rights and potential of this community.

During a recent regional consultative session for the Middle East and North Africa, organised under the theme “Women and Disability,” the importance of local, regional, and international collaboration was emphasised to support individuals with disabilities.

The session has highlighted Kuwait’s welcoming environment, which has facilitated discussions among experts from various countries on disability-related issues.

The role of civil society in raising awareness and addressing barriers to implementing legal frameworks was also underscored.

Kuwait’s initiatives to integrate people with disabilities into society aim to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives and access their rights without discrimination.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities commended Kuwait for its leadership on the international stage.

The session served as a platform for governments, civil society, and regional organisations to discuss challenges, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions.

It focused on raising awareness about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and addressing barriers to full inclusion in the MENA region.

The need for enhanced regional cooperation among governments, civil society, and international stakeholders was emphasised, along with a call for NGOs and human rights defenders to advocate for the rights of women with disabilities.

A field study presented during the session examined the impact of Kuwaiti legislation in empowering women with disabilities, highlighting the country’s commitment to gender equality and justice as enshrined in its constitution and international agreements.

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Dubai: Strict Enforcement Actions by FSA Against Financial Misconduct

05/12/202405/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 27 November 2024: In 2024, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) took strict action against a company that mismanaged client investment funds and an individual involved in money laundering.

In one case, a former relationship manager was fined nearly $1 million (around Dh3.6 million) for deceptive conduct and for facilitating the money laundering technique known as layering.

The Head of Enforcement at DFSA has explained ‘layering’ as a series of transactions to create the impression that the money has gone from one person to another, whereas it’s the same person or it’s the same people who are running the whole thing.

The individual, a private banker gave false information to his compliance function to allow that activity to continue, and he generated quite a lot of bonus income as a result of the commissions from those clients.

Another company, OCS International Finance, was fined for misusing clients’ funds.

They misled a bank about the nature of some money which they had deposited, and they then also misused the money.

That was client money which they had to protect and under the rules, they had to keep it in a separate account.

They did not do that, but they lent that money to a related party without telling the client they were doing it.

That related party then did not repay the money.

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Bahrain: Introduces Progressive Financial Security System for Expatriate Workers

05/12/202405/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 3 December 2024: Expatriates employed in Bahrain’s private sector have a significant reason to celebrate as the Kingdom unveils a progressive system designed to secure their financial future upon job termination.

This new initiative introduces a streamlined end-of-service indemnity (EOSI) system for non-Bahraini workers, marking a pivotal advancement in labour rights reform.

The mechanism ensures that expatriates receive their accumulated benefits without delay, addressing a long-standing issue of traditional payment holdups.

Employers are now mandated to make monthly contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), revolutionising the management of indemnity payments.

For many expatriates, the challenge of navigating complex administrative procedures has been a source of frustration.

The SIO has addressed this by implementing an intuitive online system that simplifies the process.

Upon job termination and registration with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), workers can easily claim their benefits through SIO’s e-services.

The system is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even intricate tasks, such as attaching proof of an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) in PDF format, are straightforward and efficient.

This reform represents a landmark moment for expatriate workers in Bahrain.

By centralising payments through the SIO, the Kingdom is demonstrating its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the financial well-being of its expatriate community.

A comprehensive guide to the new process is available on the SIO website, offering workers a clear path to securing their entitlements.

For many, this reform not only provides financial relief but also fosters a renewed sense of inclusion within Bahrain’s evolving workforce landscape.

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Abu Dhabi: Launches Mandatory Nutri-Mark Labeling to Combat Obesity

05/12/202405/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 3 December 2024: Starting 1 June 2025, a mandatory nutrition grading system will be implemented for five food categories in Abu Dhabi, as part of a new labeling initiative by quality control and health officials.

Products on supermarket shelves without the Nutri-Mark label, which evaluates the nutritional content of food items, will be removed, and responsible parties will face fines.

This regulation also applies to items displaying a higher grade than warranted.

Nutri-Mark assigns a nutritional value grade from A to E, with A representing the healthiest option.

The initial phase of this scheme targets baked goods, oils, dairy products, children’s food, and beverages.

The initiative aims to combat obesity by offering consumers clear and accessible information about the nutritional values of products.

More food items are expected to be included under the Nutri-Mark system following the first phase.

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Kuwait: To End Conversion of Sick Leave to Regular Leave or Cash

04/12/202404/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 3 December 2024: Kuwait’s government is considering a policy shift on replacing unused sick leave with regular leave, aiming to promote fairness and reduce financial costs.

The proposed change would prevent employees from converting unused sick leave into regular (annual) leave or receiving financial compensation for unused days.

Sick leave would only be used for rest and recovery.

The potential suspension of the replacement policy is reportedly intended to curtail financial costs and encourage employees to use sick leave when necessary, rather than hoarding it for cash benefits.

Advocates argue this approach promotes better health and aligns with labour regulations, ensuring fairness for employees who genuinely need sick leave.

Critics, however, warn that stopping the replacement policy could demotivate employees who rely on it as a supplemental income source.

Some suggest that government agencies educate staff on the reasons for such a decision and explore alternative incentives to maintain morale.

While supporters emphasise that the policy fosters justice by ensuring equal treatment of all employees, detractors stress that removing this option could negatively impact employees’ income and financial stability.

They argue that sick leave, being a legitimate entitlement issued by government agencies, should remain a right that benefits employees fairly.

The debate highlights the need for a balanced approach, potentially regulating replacement policies to address both financial concerns and employee satisfaction.

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UAE: Corporate Tax Registration Deadline for Resident Juridical Persons

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has renewed its calls for Resident Juridical Persons with Licences issued in October and November, regardless of the year of issuance, to promptly submit their Corporate Tax registration application no later than 30 November 2024, to avoid Administrative Penalties.

The FTA advises Taxable Persons to adhere to the timelines specified in Cabinet Decision No. 3/2024 on the Timeline for Registration of Taxable Persons for Corporate Tax, which came into effect on 1 March 2024.

Resident Juridical Persons incorporated or established before March 1, 2024, must submit their Corporate Tax registration application based on the month their Licence was issued, irrespective of the year.

For Taxable Persons holding multiple Licences on 1 March 2024, the deadline is determined by the Licence with the earliest issuance date.

Registration for Corporate Tax is available through the EmaraTax digital platform, accessible 24/7.

The process has been streamlined into four main steps, taking approximately 30 minutes. Taxable Persons can also register through authorised Tax Agents or government service centres.

The FTA has urged Taxable Persons subject to Corporate Tax to review the Corporate Tax Law, related decisions, and guidelines published on the FTA website: tax.gov.ae.

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Sharjah: Issues Law Regulating Digital Department

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah has issued a law regulating the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD).

This law aims to improve Sharjah’s status as a smart digital city, solidifying its local and international leadership and competitiveness.

It seeks to raise awareness among government entities about the importance of digital transformation, transparency, and governance to advance institutional work and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.

The law contributes to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of performance through the excellence of the government sector in digital transformation and providing smart digital services based on global standards.

It supports the government’s efforts to achieve comprehensive development in the emirate by providing shared digital systems, platforms, and channels, facilitating the exchange of information and data among government entities.

The SDD is empowered to develop relevant strategies and standards related to digital transformation, information security, and technology use.

It coordinates joint efforts between institutions in the governmental and private sectors to efficiently build, develop, and manage the digital transformation system and its services.

The department supervises the digital transformation system in the emirate, establishing necessary standards and indicators to support operational plans within government entities and their governance.

Furthermore, the SDD oversees the official government portal, the unified government services platform, and applications developed, operated, and enhanced by government entities.

It develops specifications to ensure optimal use of modern technology, data analysis practices, and AI in government entities, monitoring their implementation.

The department studies, reviews, and approves all initiatives and projects submitted by government entities regarding digital transformation, information technology, and information security to ensure their standardisation across the emirate.

It formulates frameworks and technical standards for infrastructure, data sharing platforms, open data, and digital service and technology management methodologies.

The SDD manages projects and programs related to digital transformation, infrastructure development, digital communication networks, applications, and systems at the emirate level, integrated services, and defines roles and responsibilities for each entity.

It represents the emirate at local, regional, and international levels in relevant fields, participating in exhibitions, events, conferences, seminars, and meetings.

The law outlines the department’s competencies related to digital systems and services, information security, data management, infrastructure, and digital empowerment.

It specifies the Director-General’s authority, including developing policies, overseeing operations, proposing draft laws, representing the department, presenting budgets, signing agreements, forming committees, and delegating powers.

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Saudi Arabia: Solidifies IP Leadership with Landmark Design Law Treaty

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

After nearly two decades of negotiations, the Riyadh Design Law Treaty has been adopted, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s intellectual property landscape.

This landmark event solidifies the Kingdom’s position as an IP hub, reflecting the rapid reforms in this area since the establishment of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) in 2018.

The adoption of the Design Law Treaty is a testament to the prioritisation, support, and enablement of IP protection, management, and enforcement in the Vision 2030 era.

This treaty is anticipated to be a game-changer in the legal landscape governing the protection of designs, as it has been negotiated with a designer-centric view.

One of the key provisions of the treaty is the softened approach to statutory deadlines, which is often one of the main risks IP right holders need to grapple with.

Additionally, the treaty simplifies requirements and registration procedures, further streamlining the process for designers and IP holders.

The successful adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty is a result of the hard work and dedication of the SAIP and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) teams, who have been instrumental in bringing this achievement to fruition.

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Oman: Transport Ministry Issues Notice to Fishermen To Avoid Shipping Lanes

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 27 November 2024: The Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Ministry, through the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, has issued a notice to all fishermen.

The notice urges fishermen to refrain from fishing in ferry lanes, shipping lines, and navigation channels in ports.

The directive aims to preserve the safety of maritime navigation and protect property from potential accidents.

The ministry has emphasised that placing fishing nets in these critical areas could lead to serious incidents, including collisions or damage to fishing equipment.

The safety of vessels and crew is paramount, and the ministry has called on fishermen to strictly comply to these instructions to ensure the integrity of marine operations.

The ministry has warned that violating these guidelines could result in legal consequences, urging all concerned parties to cooperate in maintaining a safe and sustainable marine environment.

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Kuwait: Introduces Strict New Residency Law

29/11/202429/11/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 25 November 2024: Kuwait’s Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree law addressing the residency of foreigners, introducing severe penalties for those involved in residency trafficking and violations.

The new decree law repeals Kuwait Emiri Decree No. 17/1959, along with any provisions that contradict the current Decree-Law (Article 35).

The new legislation comprises seven chapters and 36 articles, detailing specific provisions for the entry, residency, and regulation of foreigners in Kuwait.

The law prohibits residency trafficking through the exploitation of recruitment in exchange for money or benefits, employment violations where a foreign worker is employed for purposes other than what they were originally brought in for, unjust refusal to pay a foreigner’s wages or benefits, unauthorised work, housing or employing a foreigner without a valid residency permit, and allowing shelter for a foreigner who does not possess a valid residency permit.

Penalties for residency trafficking violations include imprisonment for three to five years and a fine ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 dinars, subject to escalation depending on the number of foreign violators involved.

Public employees who engage in residency trafficking will face a double penalty, and recidivism will lead to a further doubling of the penalty.

Legal entities found guilty of residency trafficking will face a fine between 5,000 to 10,000 dinars per violator, and their license to operate will be revoked.

The responsible individual within the entity will face penalties similar to those of an individual violator.

The law outlines conditions for the deportation of foreigners, such as having no legitimate source of income, working without a licence or approval, or for reasons of public interest, security, or morals.

A deportation order may extend to the foreigner’s family members, and the foreigner may be detained for up to 30 days during the deportation process, with extensions granted as necessary.

The Interior Ministry may waive fines for deported individuals, provided they leave the country promptly.

The employer or any individual who illegally sheltered or employed the foreigner will be responsible for the expenses related to deportation.

The law also addresses entry requirements, notification of competent authorities, residency of foreigners (including domestic workers, government and non-governmental employees), sponsor responsibilities, fees and exemptions, exit regulations for foreigners, and general provisions and penalties for residency trafficking.

It outlines procedures for obtaining visas, residency permits, and their renewals, as well as exemptions for certain groups, such as GCC nationals and diplomatic personnel.

The law also allows for settlement processes for certain violations by paying fines.

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