LexisNexis Middle East

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.

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News developments

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.

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News developments

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.

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News developments

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.

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News developments

Oman: Anti-Corruption Agreement Finalised with Iraq

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

Alsabaah, 30 March 2023: The Iraqi Federal Integrity Authority has stated Iraq and Oman are in the process of finalising a memorandum of understanding to combat corruption.

The head of the authority has mentioned the authority is increasing its efforts to recover debtors and smuggled assets to assist the treasury.

He commended the collaboration with Oman, which has already produced results by surrendering runaway debtors, including the general manager of urban planning and the director of the agriculture department in the Alanbar Governorate.

Through the MOU, the two countries will share information and conduct investigations on wanted individuals and corrupt funds which have been smuggled overseas.

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News developments

Kuwait: Flexible Working Hours Enforced

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

Arab Times, 2 April 2023: The Ministry of Communications in Kuwait has begun implementing its plan of flexible working hours in most government agencies, with working hours starting at 9:45 am and ending at 3:15 pm, except for those working in shifts.

All employees, except for those in shift work, must put in four and a half hours of work.

The decision allows government agencies to choose more than one of the scheduled work times.

The Ministry had previously sought guidance from the Civil Service Commission regarding the adoption of the flexible working hours system during the month of Ramadan.

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News developments

UAE: Wage Protection System Implementation Started

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

Emaratalyoum, 31 March 2023: The Human Resources and Emiratization Ministry (MOHRE) has started mandatory implementation of the Ministerial Decision No. 675/2022 concerning the payment of the salaries of certain assisting service jobs via the Wages Protections System on 31 March 2023.

The aim is to develop services offered to employers and families in a line with the applicable regulatory legislation concerning these workers.

The Ministry had said that the implementation of this system is now mandatory and includes fives professions including private agronomist, private delegate (mandoub), housekeeping providers, private teachers, and private trainers.

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News developments

New Release: March/April 2023 Edition of Lexis® Middle East Law Alert

30/03/202330/03/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Introducing the latest edition of our complimentary law magazine, the Lexis® Middle East – Law Alert! Stay up-to-date on the latest legal, financial, and fiscal developments and hot topics in the MENA region.

In this edition:

In Good Company? The New Saudi Company Law Regime

A new company law regime was implemented in Saudi Arabia on January 18th, 2023. Companies have a grace period of two years, but they must still consider this new regime and upcoming regulations set to take effect in 2024 to determine necessary actions and timelines, according to Alan Sfeir and Shahd Makhafad from Clyde & Co.

Legal Round-Up: Covering Recent Key Legal Developments (Region-Wide)

Stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments in the region! Our legal round-up includes all the essential news so that you can stay well-informed.

Tax and Finance Round-Up: Covering Recent Key Tax and Finance Developments (Region-Wide)

Get the latest news and insights on regional tax and finance developments with our latest round-up, supported by Aurifer Middle East Tax! Stay up-to-date on the key developments from the region and never miss out on the latest happenings.

But Who Benefits? Omani Changes on Ultimate Beneficial Owner Reporting

New requirements to identify Ultimate Beneficial Owners of companies in Oman are now in force to support the anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regime. Abdullah Hassan Khan and Ali Naveed Arshad from Mohammed Al Ruquaishi Law Firm provide insight into the impact on companies in Oman.

In-House Profile: Property

Haytham Alieh, Vice President of Litigation at Damac Group works for a business with property and construction at its heart, but it is technological law changes he is most eager to see being adopted following the UAE’s pioneering work in this area.

Practitioner Perspective: Virtual Asset and Related Activities Regulations

In a bid to support technological advancements, UAE legislators have been introducing pioneering laws and regulations. Ayesha Karim sheds light on how the Virtual Asset and Related Activities Regulations, which were recently issued, are promoting the implementation of Dubai Law No. 4/2022 and supporting the growth of this emerging sector.

Movers & Shakers: A Round-Up of the Top Appointments and Promotions

Check out our latest round-up of the top movers and shakers from the world of legal appointments and promotions, brought to you by Jameson Legal. Who’s been promoted, who’s been appointed and who’s moving on? Find out now!

Dispute Resolution Focus: Cases and Updates

Waleed Hamad, Head of Litigation at Al Aidarous, shares his insights on past cases and provides valuable advice to those considering initiating a dispute. We thank Al Aidarous for their support and for keeping us informed of the latest developments in dispute resolution.

Dispute Resolution Focus: Court Changes

Hashem AlAidarous from Al Aidarous highlights two significant recent developments in the UAE court system, which include the introduction of bilingual courts and the establishment of expert chambers in Abu Dhabi courts.

Contract Watch: Cloud Services

Nick O’Connell, Saudi Head of Digital & Data at Al Tamimi & Company, explains Saudi Arabia’s mandatory contractual requirements for cloud computing service agreements, which apply to subscribers in the country.

Thanks to Aurifer Middle East Tax for their valuable insights into regional tax developments. We also thank Jameson Legal for supporting individuals and businesses, and Al Aidarous for keeping us updated on dispute resolution cases.

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Lexis Middle East Law Alert March-April 2023

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert January-February 2023

Lexis Middle East Law Alert October-November 2022

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July-August 2022

News developments

UAE: Report on Impact of Legislation Regulating Labour Market Activities Approved

30/03/202330/03/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Albayan, 28 March 2023: A report on the effect of labor market regulations on the economic changes in the UAE was approved by the UAE’s Financial, Economic, and Industrial Affairs Committee in the Federal National Council.

The report was approved during a meeting held in Dubai at the general secretariate’s headquarters.

The committee reviewed the law’s impact on supporting the state’s economic development and balancing the interests of all parties, as well as its effect on the objectives and strategies of the Emirate 2071 Vision.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Arabic Language Must be Used by Government Departments

30/03/202330/03/2023
by Benjamin Filaferro

Okaz, 22 March 2023: Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has given its approval for the Saudi Arabia Enhancing Arabic Language Use Law, which seeks to bolster the use of the Arabic language by urging both governmental and non-governmental entities to use it.

While there will be provisions to permit the use of other languages when necessary, the focus will be on using Arabic to reinforce Arab identity.

Additionally, the law is intended to address the legal void created by the absence of legislation which promotes the use of the Arabic language.

For the full story, click here.

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