The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced it has issued the first golden residence permit in Abu Dhabi. The issuing of the visa follows the issuing of Cabinet Decision No. 56/2018 on permanent residence for investors. The Authority said it had started a communication programme with investors in the country who are eligible for this residence permit to make them aware of the new law and explain the benefits.
The Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Health Ministry has asked all assistants, departments, health zone and hospital directors to list the employees authorised to work overtime, the work they do and how much they get paid. The aim is to ensure proper systems are in place for overtime and prevent profiteering. Overtime must also be approved by the Undersecretary and social media guidelines are also being drafted. Anyone who violates the guidelines will be punished.
Oman’s Manpower Ministry has announced a professional visa ban for sales and marketing professionals has been introduced. The ban is contained in Oman Decision No. 268/2019 and means the visa ban will continue for another six months from 31 May. It will not apply to visa renewals but will apply to new visa applications.
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Qatar in select professions, including Project Coordinators and General Supervisors, must now have a degree certificate to support their immigration process, even though it was previously not required. In addition to a degree certificate which must be legalised, the affected individuals must support their application with a transcript and university verification letters attested by Qatari consular post in the country of issue of a document.
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has approved a new Tobacco License Regulation which will mean cafes and restaurants in the Kingdom will have to pay up to 100,000 Riyals annually to sell tobacco products in their premises and outside them. It is the latest move to tackle smoking in the Kingdom. The Kingdom has signed up to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which aims to reduce smoking rates from 12.7 to 5% by 2030.
The Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives has announced a draft law to increase the penalties for social media misuse is under consideration. It is part of Government attempts to clampdown on this misuse. Among other things, social media misuse covers defaming someone, insulting someone or spreading rumours.
Abu Dhabi’s Airports Free Zone has announced it has launched an online One Stop Shop to make it easier for prospective businesses to set up in the Zone. Once businesses are registered, they will be able to use the online shop to view their company’s license, lease and employee and financial details. In addition, they will be able to use a company dashboard which will provide access to employment visa-related requests, letter and certificate requests, employment cards and access passes, registration services and licensing services.
Oman’s Secretariat General for Taxation has announced selective tax will be introduced in the Sultanate on 15 June. It will apply to tobacco, pork meat and energy and soft drinks. 50% tax on soft drinks will be levied and 100% on tobacco, pork meat and energy drinks. Manufacturers, importers and those selling these goods in the country will have to pay the tax. By 14 June they will have to have to submit a declaration stipulating they deal with these goods. The tax will have to be paid by 30 June.
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority has announced tax agents in the country must comply with the five professional standards for tax agents. It follows the publication of a new professional standards guide by the Authority. It provides a detailed explanation of the five standards and conditions tax agents must comply with. These standards are integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality and professional behaviour. The Authority can strike a tax agent off if they consider it appropriate. They must notify the agent within five working days of their decision and give the reasons. In addition, agents can only practise if they have been approved by the Authority and will be accountable to the Authority.
Dubai’s Ruler and the UAE’s Vice President has announced the launch of a new residency system for expatriates. Under the Golden Card Scheme, residency for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, those with special talents, researchers and outstanding students will be available. The spouses and children of Golden Card holders will also be able to obtain permanent residency under the scheme.
6800 expatriates from more than 70 countries have already been selected for the scheme. The investors are worth. an estimated 100 billion AED. The new permanent visa will generate foreign investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract top engineers, scientists and students. Exact criteria for the visa are yet to be made public but more details are expected in the coming days.
In the past, foreign residents typically had renewable visas valid for two or three years which were often tied to their employment. However, last year the government announced plans to reform its visa policies.
Oman’s Capital Market Authority has announced it has issued new Takeover and Acquisition Regulations. Oman Decision No. 2/2019 will apply to public joint stock companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). It has been published in the Official Gazette.
