Latest news with #MinisterialResolution
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait rolls out MNE top-up tax
KUWAIT CITY, June 30: In line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision to diversify the sources of income and achieve financial sustainability, the Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No. 55/2025 on the executive regulations of Decree-Law No. 157/2024 concerning the Multinational Entity Group (MNEs) Tax. This includes the implementation of a supplementary Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT), under the requirements of the second pillar of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, it stated that the new regulations aim to clarify and interpret the law's provisions, define procedures and implementation mechanisms, enhance transparency, and provide stakeholders with a clear understanding, in line with international policies and standards in this field. In this regard, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam affirmed that the issuance of these regulations marks a major milestone in Kuwait's economic reform journey, highlighting their role in providing a fair investment environment and promoting tax equity. She emphasized that the new legislation reflects Kuwait's commitment to achieving fiscal balance and diversifying revenue sources away from reliance on the oil sector. Minister Al-Fassam stressed that preliminary estimates suggest the tax could generate approximately KD 250 million annually, thus strengthening the state's capacity to build a resilient and sustainable economy capable of withstanding future challenges. She announced that the ministry plans to hold a series of awareness workshops in the coming period to support the law's implementation and clarify the details of the executive regulations for relevant authorities and specialists, with dates to be announced in due course. In other news, the Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Resolution No. 54/2025 that amends the regulations governing the use of stateowned properties and service fees specified in Resolution No. 40/2016, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam explained that the new amendments aim to achieve a fair balance between the use of such properties by individuals and entities and the public interest, ensuring clear procedures and enhancing transparency in transactions. The amended regulations cover the use of various activities, including chalets, rest houses, shopping malls, cooperative societies, banks, warehouses, as well as sports clubs, schools, and hospitals. The resolution includes stabilizing agricultural plot prices to support food security and encourage local production. She said the amendments were based on an extensive study of pricing trends at both Gulf and international levels. Minister Al-Fassam explained that the revised prices are lower than the average prices in GCC countries, taking into account Kuwait's economic and social conditions. The aim is to ensure equal opportunities for all as well as enhance state revenues on a sustainable basis.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Have an inactive business in UAE? Here's what you should know
Image credit: Getty Images The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing labour regulations by taking strict action against businesses found to be non-compliant with their licensed activities while maintaining registered workers without genuine employment relationships. Read- Since the start of 2025, In response, MoHRE imposed penalties exceeding Dhs34 million, suspended the issuance of new work permits for these entities, and downgraded them to the third category within the Ministry's classification system for private sector establishments. Legal action targets both employers and workers The Ministry has also barred the owners of these non-compliant establishments from registering any new businesses in its system, in line with its continued efforts to ensure adherence to UAE labour laws and regulations. These actions are backed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulating Labour Relations, Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 regarding service fees and administrative fines, and Ministerial Resolution No. 318 of 2024, which governs how authorities handle cases involving establishments that register workers but do not carry out licensed operations. MoHRE has urged employers to cancel licences and update the legal status of their workers if an establishment ceases operations for any reason. Failure to do so could result in legal liability for both business owners and registered employees. An inactive licensed business that retains workers without actual employment is considered a serious legal violation. The consequences apply to all parties involved, especially when no legitimate employment link exists. The ministry also underscored the effectiveness of its field-based and smart monitoring systems, which use comprehensive data and indicators—including worker sponsorships, licensing activity, transaction records, and field inspections—to evaluate whether a business is operational.
Arab Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
New regulations for charities
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: The official gazette 'Kuwait Al- Youm' published Decision No. 122/2025 issued by the Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, concerning the issuance of regulations for charitable foundations, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The regulations include the following provisions: Chapter One - Definitions and General Provisions Article 1: Minister: Minister of Social Affairs Ministry: Ministry of Social Affairs Administration: Department of Charitable Societies and Foundations Law: Law No. 24/1962 regarding clubs and public benefit associations, and its amendments Applicant: Any natural or legal person who submits an application to establish a charitable foundation Foundation: A charitable foundation registered in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 24/1962 and its amendments concerning clubs and public benefit associations Article 2: The founders and members of the Board of Directors of the foundation shall adhere to the provisions of Law No. 24/1962 and its amendments concerning clubs and public benefit associations, as well as its implementing decisions. They must also comply with the Labor Law No. 6/2010 regarding work in the private sector. The Model Bylaws for Charitable Endowments, issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 48/1999, shall serve as a guiding framework. Article 3: Charitable foundations subject to these regulations must comply with all regulatory directives and safety and security procedures issued by the ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities. Article 4: The applicant is strictly prohibited from engaging in any charitable or social activity unless the foundation is officially declared under the relevant regulations and procedures. Also, the applicant may not enter into any contracts or conduct any transactions on behalf of the foundation before its formal declaration by the ministry. The foundation may not change its location, alter its specifications, or establish a branch without obtaining prior written approval from the ministry. The foundation is obligated not to solicit or invite donations from the public in any form without first securing the ministry's approval. Chapter Two - Provisions and Procedures for Charity Publicity Article 5: The following conditions must be met for the official publicity and registration of a charitable foundation: The number of founders must not be fewer than ten. All founders must be at least 21 years old at the time of submitting the publicity application. Each founder must be a Kuwaiti citizen of good conduct, with no prior conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty. Candidates for membership on the charity's Board of Directors must be at least 30 years old at the time of their selection. Security clearance must be obtained, with no security objections to the foundation's publicity. All necessary approvals must be secured from the relevant official authorities for licensing the charity's operation, including from Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Fire Force, and the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice. The founders or their authorized representatives must submit a bank certificate confirming a deposit of KD 10,000 in the name of the charity at a local bank. Article 6: The procedures for publicizing a charitable foundation shall include the following steps: 1. An application for the publicity of the charitable foundation shall be submitted by the founders or their authorized representatives. The application must include a formal statement expressing the founders' intent to establish and publicize the foundation in accordance with the provisions of the law. 2. The following documents must be attached to the application: Two copies of the foundation's bylaws, prepared in accordance with the model bylaws for charitable foundations. Minutes of the founders' meeting, including the election of the foundation's Board of Directors and an official letter authorizing one of the founders to represent them in all publicity-related procedures. Copies of valid civil ID cards for all founders. 3. Upon completion of the application, the ministry shall coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to obtain security clearance for the founders. 4. The application shall then be submitted to the ministry's Publicity Committee for initial review and approval. 5. The ministry shall contact the relevant government entities - Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Fire Force, and the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice - to secure the necessary operational licenses and to authenticate the foundation's bylaws. 6. The concerned department in the ministry shall prepare and submit a memorandum to the minister, detailing the charity's registration request and the procedures undertaken, accompanied by a draft ministerial decision for its registration. 7. The registration decision and a summary of the foundation's bylaws shall be published in the official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm'. Article 7: Following publication in the official gazette, the charity shall acquire legal personality and shall be authorized to carry out activities in pursuit of its stated objectives. Article 8: The ministry reserves the right to reject the registration of a charity within one month from the date of submission of a complete registration application, provided that the reasons for rejection are clearly stated. The ministry also retains the right to amend the foundation's bylaws. The applicant has the right to appeal the decision of rejection or the proposed amendments to the minister within one month from the date of receiving the notification. Article 9: After the charity is officially publicized, it may commence its operations at its approved headquarters, provided it has obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. Article 10: The charity must display an identification plate at its approved headquarters, clearly showing the organization's name and the number of the ministerial decision by which it was publicized. Chapter Three - Management of Charitable Endowments Article 11: The endowment shall be managed by a Board of Directors composed of five to nine members, each of whom must be at least 30 years old and hold a university degree or a diploma of no less than two years following high school. Article 12: The Board of Directors shall manage the endowment under the powers and responsibilities outlined in the Model Bylaws for Charitable Endowments and the endowment's own bylaws. Article 13: The Board of Directors is required to submit an annual financial report, certified by the external auditor appointed by the endowment, along with an administrative report detailing the endowment's activities and achievements, to the ministry within the deadlines specified in the bylaws. Article 14: The Board of Directors shall establish regulations governing the endowment's operations, with particular emphasis on financial and administrative regulations. Article 15: The endowment shall open nominations for membership in the Board of Directors for a period of at least 15 days, beginning no less than one month before the end of the current board's term. This announcement shall be posted on the bulletin board at the endowment's headquarters, and registered letters with acknowledgment of receipt shall be sent to members. Article 16: The members of the endowment shall elect the Board of Directors by secret ballot, conducted under the supervision of the current Board of Directors. Article 17: The ministry shall be provided with the list of names of the newly elected Board members, under the above procedures. Chapter Four - Supervision and Oversight Article 18: The ministry shall supervise associations registered under the provisions of the law through employees of the competent administration. These employees have the right to inspect the association at any time without prior notice. They may enter the association's premises and review all records, data, and information related to the association's activities. Article 19: If it is proven that the association has violated any provisions of the law or the related decisions, employees of the competent administration shall have the authority to issue a citation against the association using the designated form. Chapter Five - Penalties Article 20: In addition to the penalties stipulated by the law or any other applicable legislation, if the association violates the provisions of the law or the related decisions, the following measures shall apply: A formal notification of the violation shall be served to the association. If the violation is not rectified within one week of notification, the charity's bank accounts will be suspended and will remain frozen until the violation is corrected. Article 21: The ministry has the right to suspend the charity's registration in the following cases: ■ The charity commits serious violations, persists in violating after the ministry's notification, or repeatedly breaches the law. ■ The charity fails to submit its financial statements and administrative reports for two consecutive years. ■ The charity conceals any financial information or data requested by the ministry, manipulates data, or deliberately provides false information intended to mislead the ministry and obstruct its oversight duties. Article 22: The Council of Ministers may, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Social Affairs, dissolve the charity in any of the following cases: If its membership falls below the minimum number stipulated in Article 5 of this law. If the charity becomes unable to meet its financial obligations. If it violates the provisions of this law or the charity's bylaws, or engages in activities beyond its stated objectives. If it fails to carry out any effective activity to achieve its objectives If dissolution is deemed necessary in the interest of public security or public welfare. Article 23: The Minister of Social Affairs may, by decision, dissolve the charity's Board of Directors and appoint an interim board or director for a specified renewable period. The appointed director shall assume the powers of the Board of Directors in the following cases: 1. Violation of the provisions of this law or the charity's bylaws. 2. If the number of board members is insufficient to hold a valid meeting. 3. If it is necessary to protect the interests of the members or the social objectives of the charity. Article 24: In the event of the association's dissolution, the minister shall issue a decision to form a committee to liquidate its assets, and specify the method of liquidation, the duration of the liquidation process, and the liquidators' fees. The term of the committee may be renewed as necessary until the liquidation is complete. Article 25: Upon completion of liquidation, the association's remaining assets shall revert to the ministry, which will determine the entity to which these assets shall be allocated.
Gulf Insider
19-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Oman Bans Bird Imports From 8 Nations Over Health Risks
Oman has announced an extensive ban on the import of live birds and related poultry products from eight countries, citing public health and veterinary safety concerns. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources issued Ministerial Resolution No. 144/2025, which prohibits the entry of live birds, their derivatives, products, and offal from regions across Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. The directive, taken as precautionary veterinary measures, goes into effect immediately. Among the affected areas are Victoria in Australia; Bong County in Liberia; Kayseri Province in Turkey; Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, and Yunlin in Taiwan; Masovia, Warmian-Masuria, Pomerania, and Greater Poland in Poland; the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil; Durres in Albania; and Pampanga and Camarines Sur in the Philippines. The resolution was enacted under the authority of the Veterinary Quarantine Law, issued by Royal Decree No. 45/2004, and its accompanying regulations under Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2008. The ministry stated that the decision follows guidance from the competent veterinary authority and will remain in force until the risk of animal-borne disease is adequately mitigated and a formal order to lift the ban is issued. The ministry clarified that exemptions will apply to bird products and derivatives that have undergone heat treatment or other processing compliant with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Also read: Oman Arrests 47 Expat Women For Immoral Acts
Observer
18-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society elects new BoD
Rudaina bint Amer al Hajriyah has been re-elected to be the president of the Oman Bahrain Friendship Association for the second time while Sheikha Jawaher bint Khalifa al Khalifa was elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Association for the period from 2025 to 2028 at its regular meeting attended by board members and representatives from the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain held at the Diplomatic Club. The meeting, which affirmed renewed confidence, reviewed 2025 plan to enhance bilateral cooperation and discussed key topics related to strengthening bilateral relations and developing cooperation programmes between the two countries. Dr Ahmed bin Saeed al Jahouri was elected as Secretary-General and Ahmed bin Mohammed al Ardi as Treasurer. The Board of Directors also included, from the Omani side: Shaikh Omar bin Ali al Junaibi, Mohammed bin Abdullah al Kharousi and Abdullah bin Mohammed al Ajmi. From the Bahraini side: Yousef Salahuddin Ibrahim, Janat Hassan Musa Shafiei, Ali Kazim Ahmed al Mousawi, Zahraa Baqer and Mohammed Hassan Abdul Hussein al Wazir. The formation of the association's standing committees was also approved and their chairpersons appointed: the Economic Committee, chaired by Abdullah bin Saleh al Shanfari; the Membership and Affiliation Committee, chaired by Manar Malallah al Balushi; the Communication and Media Committee, chaired by Maryam bint Ghaleb al Alawi; the Programmes and Events Committee, chaired by Shihab bin Ahmed al Mujaini; and the Sports Committee, chaired by Captain Ismail al Ajmi. The society was established in 2022 pursuant to Ministerial Resolution No 19/2022 issued by the Omani Foreign Ministry, with the aim of building bridges of cooperation and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between the Omani and Bahraini people in various fields, at the official, popular, or social levels. Since its founding, Rudaina al Hajri has been leading the association with a strategic vision focused on economic sectors, opening up investment opportunities between the two countries, sustainable development, arts and culture, empowering the role of women, cultural exchange, youth and sports activities; and community outreach, in addition to publishing information on various media outlets to introduce the two peoples to their rich shared heritage. The 2024 annual report and final accounts were reviewed at the meeting, along with the association's 2025 work plan, besides discussing the approved membership mechanism and ratified the final proposal for naming the standing committees, appointing their chairpersons and determining the mechanisms for their activation.
