LexisNexis Middle East

Qatar: Consumers Must Know Validity of Products

27/04/202327/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Lusailnews, 20 April 2023: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has emphasised consumers have the right to verify a product’s validity period, know its price, and agree to it before receiving the service, as well as keeping a dated invoice.

In a tweet from its official Twitter account, the Ministry outlined the requirements for barbershops and beauty centers and defined consumers’ basic rights, which include accessing service prices and agreeing to them beforehand, respect for religious values, customs, and traditions, and compliance with conditions related to public health and safety.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

Oman: MTCIT Inspection campaigns on road transport continue

27/04/202327/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Muscat Daily, 19 April 2023: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has announced that it will continue to carry out inspections to monitor land transport activities and prevent violations.

The inspections aim to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Land Transport Law, particularly in terms of adhering to weight restrictions for trucks.

Legal measures will be taken against violators.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

Kuwait: Decision Determining Actual Beneficiary Identity Implemented

27/04/202327/04/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alanba, 19 April 2023: Sources have disclosed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry intends to enforce Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 4/2023Concerning the Procedures for Specifying the Beneficial Owner in the near future, which outlines the procedures for identifying the “actual beneficiary”.

The ministry is currently arranging a meeting with officials from several relevant departments and leaders to discuss how to implement the resolution.

The sources have noted the decision aims to promote the business environment and improve the country’s economic standing by meeting international standards.

It requires individuals and legal entities in the country to comply with at least minimum registration obligations, including licensing procedures, keeping a record of the actual beneficiary, and maintaining a record of partners or shareholders.

The resolution also aims to establish effective and sustainable mechanisms and procedures for managing actual beneficiary data.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

UAE: Wages Protection Law Optional for Certain Professions

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

Albayan, 13 April 2023: The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed Ministerial Decision No. 598/2022 Concerning the Wages Protection System is optional for 14 professions, including housekeepers, nannies, cooks, and private drivers.

For certain professions, such as private agricultural engineers, private delegates, house care providers, private tutors, and private coaches, the application of this law has already begun on 1 April 2023.

The Ministry has urged employers to promptly register in the system for these five professions, as part of its efforts to enhance the services provided to employers, national, and resident families.

The system provides innovative solutions which enable employers to pay the salaries of their assisting workers in a simple and hassle-free manner while ensuring proper documentation.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

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.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

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.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

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.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

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.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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

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

News developments

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.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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

News developments

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.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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