The UAE’s Cabinet is considering a new Public Health Law, which if approved will upgrade occupational safety management systems, especially for workplace injuries. It will also ensure good health and safety standards are laid out for all employees. Article 22 of the Law focuses on health and safety, including preventive treatments to improve employees’ health.
Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission has announced citizens and expatriates will only be allowed to own two prepaid SIM cards. The announcement follows concerns over terrorist attacks in the country and the regulator hopes the restriction is temporary. The limit applies to voice and data lines in the Kingdom.
This week the spotlight is on legal and regulatory developments in Qatar, where the country’s Cabinet has approved a draft corporate bankruptcy and prevention law following a proposal from the Economy and Commerce Ministry. If approved, the law will provide a detailed regulatory framework for corporate bankruptcy and prevention in line with international standards. The aim is to improve the country’s investment environment.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the country’s 2006 Competition Law and draft Executive Regulations to accompany it. If approved, the amendments will repeal and replace Qatar Law No. 19/2006. The aim is to bring Qatar’s legislative framework in line with developments in this area.
LexisNexis and the DIFC Academy of Law are pleased to announce the launch of a new series of courses that bridge the gap between the civil law and common law systems that co-exist in the UAE.
To view the full conference program or find out more about our expert speakers download the brochure
CONCEPT: The UAE Civil code is a fundamental cornerstone of the legal system. This practical course will guide you through Federal Law No. 5/1985 Promulgating the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates and provide case studies and examples from expert practitioners.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Legal Consultants, Advocates, and Corporate Counsel with business interests in the UAE
The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority has announced it will disclose the names of those who violate its provisions in line with Securities and Commodities Authority Decision No 30/2016. The aim is to protect investors and enhance the principles of sound and fair practices. It is also aimed at improving the efficiency of UAE capital markets. The Securities and Commodities Authority will investigate any alleged violations before publishing their details. If a violation has occurred, the Authority will publish the names and job titles of violators along with the type of infringement(s) and the penalty imposed on its website. Violators will be able to appeal an infringement decision. During this time their details will not be published.
This week the spotlight is on immigration developments across the GCC. According to local media reports in Kuwait, a cap on expatriates is being considered by the country’s population committee. Expatriates account for two thirds of the country’s total 4.4 million population. The Committee has also recommended the number of visas allotted to citizens to hire domestic workers is reduced by up to 50% and the number of visas allotted for security companies with Government contracts is reduced by approximately 25%. The Committee has gone on to recommend a time limit of about 10 to 20 years is set for expatriates in certain employment categories to stay in the country. After this period, they will have to leave and will not have right to return. The Committee has proposed the number of visas anyone living in the country can apply for annually is reduced. This will be done together with the General Information Systems Department at the Interior Ministry. Finally the Committee has called for a law to double fines for breaching residency rules and a law to punish anyone who helps or incites any expatriate worker to escape from their sponsors to be introduced.
Meanwhile in Qatar, the work visa rules for expatriate employees have been amended. However the rules for obtaining family visas and residency permits for spouses and children remain unchanged. To get a family visa, private sector employees will have to earn between 7,000 and 10,000 Riyals each month. They will also need to provide a certified marriage document, their salary certificate and bank statements for six months. Government employees will only have to provide their salary certificate. All applicants will receive a text message advising them of the application outcome. Under the new rules, employers will have to get approval for work visas from the Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Ministry first. They will then have to apply to the Interior Ministry. Employers will be able to get visa approval without providing names and when they sign the employment contract with the worker they will need to present a passport copy, the employment contract and the Ministry’s approval to get the employee’s entry visa.
A senior economist has said the Governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could increase VAT from 5 to 10% by 2020. In addition, the Governments of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia are looking at introducing a 10% tax on business profits. Qatar already has this type of tax and the UAE imposes 20% on the profits of foreign banks.
Oman’s Government is considering adopting a governance structure as part of plans to open the door for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the Sultanate. A new PPP law has already been drafted and is likely to be enacted soon. It could adopt some of the existing bodies and functions under the existing Privatisation Law. It also sets out a legal framework for the procurement of PPP projects in the country.
The DIFC Academy of Law is pleased to invite you to an evening seminar, with special guest speaker - Gary Born. The event will be held on Monday, 8 May 2017.
At this event, Gary Born will discuss the recent developments in international arbitration globally. Dr. Habib Al Mulla and Alec Emmerson will also address the latest developments in arbitration in the UAE. The event will kick off with a keynote speech given by Essam Al Tamimi and the panel discussion will be moderated by Sarah Malik.
Event will be located at: Dubai International Financial Centre, Office 301, Level 3, Precinct Building 5, The Gate District, Dubai, UAE. Phone: +9714 427 3390
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