Newsletter Archives - Page 60 of 242 - LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Legislation Promoting Women’s Rights

07/06/202407/06/2024
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 30 May 2024: The Bahrain Head of the services committee of the consultative council has announced that it has significantly advanced women’s rights through a strong legislative framework.

National legislation supporting gender balance and women’s empowerment reflects the leadership’s interest, with support from the President of the Supreme Council for Women.

The Bahraini Constitution and the National Charter affirm equality among all citizens, prohibiting discrimination in rights and duties.

Additionally, amendments to Bahrain Law No. 36/2012 in the private sector have reinforced women’s rights in the workplace, granting them the same entitlements as their male counterparts.

The legislation also addresses the needs of working mothers, providing 60 days of paid maternity leave, two hours of childcare per day until the child reaches six months, and two half-hour care periods until the child’s first birthday.

Additionally, the law prohibits the dismissal or termination of a female worker due to marriage or maternity leave.

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ADGM: Publishes Consultation Paper To Revamp Real Property Regulations

07/06/202407/06/2024
by Tanya Jain

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has published a Consultation Paper seeking public input on proposed comprehensive reforms to its real property regulatory framework.

The revamp aims to address evolving market needs, align with industry developments, and position ADGM’s real estate regulations as best-in-class to support sector growth.

Key areas include streamlining processes, introducing new investment vehicles, and strengthening investor protection.

The consultation paper has outlined amendments to Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 245/2015, focusing on enhancing protections for tenants in short-term residential leases.

Additionally, ADGM plans to introduce a new framework for the registration of off-plan development projects, off-plan sales, and Project Accounts, providing greater transparency and oversight in this segment of the real estate market.

The proposed reforms also include the introduction of a framework for registering off-plan and real property professionals, such as brokers, valuers, and property managers, who provide services within ADGM’s jurisdiction.

This move aims to ensure compliance to industry standards and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved in real estate transactions.

Stakeholders, including industry professionals, investors, and members of the public, are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by submitting their feedback and suggestions.

This collaborative approach ensures that the final regulations reflect the diverse perspectives and requirements of the real estate market.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – May 2024 Edition

05/06/202405/06/2024
by Tanya Jain

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

Our complimentary publication is your go-to resource for staying informed on the latest Labour and Employment developments in the MENA region. In this edition, we provide a thorough overview of recent HR updates and key cases, alongside valuable insights into regional HR policies and laws. Stay empowered and well-informed with our meticulously curated content designed to keep you ahead in the evolving HR landscape.

This month, we explore how Saudi employers can utilise the Ajeer platform to manage temporary workers. Experts from Dentons and 11KBW discuss the legal risks of off-channel communications. We cover key regional developments, including DIFC immigration rule changes, and present survey findings on localisation trends in the GCC. Our law changes section highlights new insider trading rules from the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, and we analyse a significant case on freelance versus employee status. In our HR profile, Mpho Netshiombo from KPMG Bahrain discusses evolving recruitment strategies. Additionally, we review major HR moves across the region and provide practical advice on managing HR policies during adverse weather.

Stay informed with the latest insights and updates in this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert.

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: Temporary Positions

Sara Khoja, Sarit Thomas, and Faisal Alassiri of Clyde & Co provide a comprehensive guide on leveraging the Ajeer Platform. They explain how this tool helps Saudi employers manage temporary workers more effectively and in compliance with regulations.

Trend Setter – Off-Channel Communications

Shiraz Sethi, Regional Head of Employment at Dentons, along with barristers Amy Rogers KC and Tom Ogg of 11KBW, discuss the increasing legal risks posed by off-channel social messaging. They offer insights into how employers can mitigate these risks.

News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay abreast of recent developments, including employment-related matters, highlighting notable changes in Kuwait’s approach to part-time working.

Immigration Focus: Survey – Localisation Trends

This section highlights the findings of a recent survey conducted by Vialto Partners and Lexis Middle East. It provides key insights into localisation policies and trends in the GCC.

Case Focus

An analysis of a pivotal case that addresses the distinctions between freelance and employee status, offering critical insights for HR professionals navigating these classifications.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Highlighting significant legal modifications across the MENA region. Reeda Halawi of Sultan Al–Abdulla & Partners examines the new insider trading rules introduced by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority through Decision No. 2/2024, explaining their implications for businesses.

Case Focus

A specific case, Miskofi v Milbart, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Small Claims Tribunal is examined, showcasing how discrimination and victimisation cases are handled, recommended by Ayesha Karim.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2024

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2023 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2023

LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_March-2023

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2023 Edition

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – August 2023 Edition

Moves and Changes

A summary of significant HR movements and changes across the region, highlighting notable appointments and transitions within major organisations.

Policy Pointers: Adverse Weather

Sarah Malik from SOL International Ltd offers practical advice on managing HR policies related to adverse weather conditions. She emphasises the importance of preparedness and compliance to mitigate the impact on businesses.

HR Profile: Recruitment in an Evolving Market

Mpho Netshiombo, Head of People, Performance, and Culture at KPMG Bahrain, discusses how recent legal and market changes have impacted recruitment strategies. He shares his approach to talent development, management, and engagement in this evolving landscape.

UAE: Issues Corporate Tax Guide on Free Zone Persons

31/05/202431/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

Al Bayan, 27 May 2024: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued a guide outlining the application of Corporate Tax to Free Zone Persons.

These guidelines align with the Free Zone Corporate Tax regime, which enables Qualifying Free Zone Persons to benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income.

The guide provides general guidance on the application of the Corporate Tax Law to Free Zone Persons.

It provides an overview of the conditions required to be met for a Free Zone Person to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person and benefit from the 0% Corporate Tax rate and the activities that are considered Qualifying Activities and Excluded Activities for a Qualifying Free Zone Person.

The guide includes many examples to assist Businesses with understanding how the key elements of the Corporate Tax Law apply to Free Zone Persons.

The guide also covers Corporate Tax calculation for Free Zone Persons, Qualifying Income determination, taxable income subject to 9% rate.

It outlines substance requirements for Qualifying Free Zone Persons, criteria for Foreign or Domestic Permanent Establishments.

The guidelines clarifies the treatment of income from immovable property and Qualifying Intellectual Property, details Qualifying and Excluded Activities and compliance requirements.

The FTA has added that where a Qualifying Free Zone Person operates through a Permanent Establishment in the UAE (outside the Free Zones) or in a foreign country, the profits attributable to such Permanent Establishment will be subject to the 9% Corporate Tax rate.

All Free Zone Persons are urged to thoroughly read the guide, comprehending definitions and interactions of various rules.

Corporate Tax implementing decisions and guides, including the new Free Zone Persons guide, are available on the FTA’s website.

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Saudi Arabia: Changes in the Energy Efficiency Sector

31/05/202431/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

Aleqtsiadiya, 27 May 2024: The Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre Etihad ESCO has announced it is working to create a suitable environment for service providers in this sector to obtain available investment opportunities.

The centre has also implemented a licensing mechanism for those interested in investing in this sector after they have the necessary technical requirements to provide the service and obtain available investment opportunities for energy audit projects.

Eight initiatives have been launched, including an updated regulation for licensing energy efficiency service providers, aimed at identifying the necessary requirements for licensing investors who are interested in the sector in Saudi to ensure the quality of their work and protect the rights of their customers. In addition a second edition of the “National Measurement and Verification Guide” has been issued.

The guide has been aligned with the global “EVO” organisation to ensure there is compliance with the latest international practices in this field. Furthermore, a regulation for independent energy auditors has also been introduced to grant licenses to individuals to provide energy audit services for the residential and commercial sectors and offer energy audit services to facility owners on a wide geographical basis.

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Qatar: Central Bank Changes to FAWRAN system

31/05/202431/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

Argaam, 28 May 2024: The Qatar Central Bank has announced the activation of transfers using the FAWRAN system using a beneficiary’s IBAN number.

FAWRAN is an instant payment system.

Customers now have the option to transfer using the beneficiary’s IBAN, as well as current identifiers such as mobile phone number or alias name.

It is also now possible to easily and instantly verify the beneficiary’s information before completing the transfer process. This service will help reduce the risk of fraud and minimise human errors by reducing manual data entry and enhancing the accuracy and reliability of financial transfers.

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Oman: Company Transformation Incentives

31/05/202431/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

Shabiba, 28 May 2024: The Sultan has issued directives on an incentive programme which would provide a number of benefits designed to encourage companies which wished to convert to public joint-stock companies and list on the capital markets

This would see the establishment of a sub-market in the Muscat Securities Market called the “Promising Companies Market” which would target private, family-owned, small, medium and start-up companies. There would also be an initiative for limited liability companies that wished to convert into closed joint-stock companies by offering a package of incentives.

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Kuwait: Proposed Amendments to Traffic Violation Fines

30/05/202430/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 23 May 2024: The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry has introduced plans to impose harsher penalties for traffic violations to improve road safety and regulate reckless driving.

The proposed Traffic Law amendments to be approved soon include one to three years in jail or KD 1,000-3,000 fines for driving under the influence, three months jail or KD 300 fines for phone use while driving, three months jail or KD 500 fines for speeding, and two months jail or KD 200 fines for tinted window violations.

Additionally, other proposed amendments include KD 75 fines for leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles or allowing them to protrude from windows, KD 100-200 fines for allowing children under ten to sit in the front seat or not using child seats, KD 250-500 fines for failure to give way to emergency vehicles, and three months jail or KD 200-500 fines for running red lights.

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Dubai: DWTC Launches Work from Home Commercial Licence

30/05/202430/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

The Dubai World Trade Centre has launched home-based business licence packages in Expo Village, its residential community at Expo City Dubai.

The new packages are designed to meet the needs of the growing entrepreneurial community in Dubai, serving new business owners, startups, entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The packages allow them to obtain a commercial licence from Dubai World Trade Centre’s free zone, along with work permits, based on a residential lease without the costs of a dedicated office rental.

The work-from-home packages have been developed to align with the growing global trend towards flexible working systems.

They meet the needs of entrepreneurs seeking a more diverse approach to starting businesses and establishing new companies.

There are currently four Expo Village packages, all of which include membership at the Expo Village Co-Working Hub.

For full story, click here.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves Memorandums To Restructure Ministries And Agencies

30/05/202430/05/2024
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 28 May 2024: The Bahrain Cabinet has approved several key memorandums, including a Civil Service Council memorandum on restructuring various ministries and agencies.

The aim is to enhance performance and efficiency, and financing programs for governmental projects.

Cooperative agreements were signed with Russia that are expected to boost bilateral cooperation and support the outcomes of the 33rd Arab Summit, particularly regarding an international peace conference and the Palestinian issue.

The Cabinet has reviewed the efforts of the Education Ministry to promote educational process.

Bahrain has renewed its call for the international community, especially members of the United Nations Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities in enforcing international resolutions and humanitarian laws.

This includes advocating for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians, and facilitating the urgent and safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Cabinet has approved several memorandums, including a Civil Service Council memorandum on restructuring ministries and agencies, and memorandums on financing governmental projects and addressing proposed legislation from the House of Representatives.

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