State and Shura Councils discuss five draft laws in joint session
The session was chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, in the presence of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the State Council stated holding the joint session reflects the ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two councils to reach unified positions on disputed articles in draft laws referred by the government, in accordance with Article 49 of the Council of Oman Law.
He noted that both councils had previously discussed five draft laws referred by the government: the draft laws are on combating human trafficking, regulating communications and information technology, real estate regulation, collecting state revenues, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
For his part, Mohammed Said Al Hajri, Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee of the State Council, stated that the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities aims to provide enhanced protection, guarantees, rights and opportunities for this segment of society.
In a statement, he noted that joint committees had reviewed points of disagreement between the two councils and proposed compromise solutions, adding that during their review process, the main and sub-committees had consulted all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities. The proposed compromises seek to strengthen empowerment, protection and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, Deputy Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Committee of the State Council, confirmed that the two councils had agreed on 46 articles of the draft communications and information technology law, with nine disputed articles to be resolved during the joint session.
In a statement, he added that this draft law establishes a framework for two vital sectors and unifies regulations covering modern technologies, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, creating integrated oversight of both sectors.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman of the Shura Council's Legislative and Legal Committee, stated that the draft anti-human trafficking law updates and develops existing legislation, clearly defining the crime of human trafficking and specifying methods to combat it.
He noted that the draft law under discussion keeps pace with regional and international developments, comprising six chapters with 30 articles – including definitions and provisions (Chapter 1), mandates of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (Chapter 2), and international cooperation between Oman and relevant organizations (Chapter 3).
Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Shura Council's Services and Public Utilities Committee, pointed out that the draft real estate regulation law comes amid Oman's strong momentum in real estate development, requiring such legislation to attract investors. It will replace current ministerial decisions and regulations implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in this field.
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