Latest news with #governmentEmployees
Argaam
03-07-2025
- Business
- Argaam
POS transactions reach SAR 13.6B last week: SAMA
POS device The point-of-sale (POS) transactions in Saudi Arabia reached nearly SAR 13.6 billion in the week ended June 28, compared to about SAR 10.9 billion a week earlier. The number of POS transactions reached about 220 million last week, compared to nearly 202.5 million in the previous week, according to data issued by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). POS transactions represent consumer expenditure through debit and credit cards at major shopping centers, retail outlets, pharmacies, and others. The data indicated that the value of sales via POS increases in the weeks that coincide with the disbursement of salaries to government employees (the 27th of each month), in addition to the weeks that coincide with school vacations and the weeks preceding Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. On the other hand, the value of sales decreases in the weeks preceding salary disbursement and those coinciding with the start of the back-to-school season. The moving average value of POS transactions stood at about SAR 12.45 billion in 2025. Adopting the four-week moving average, the value of POS transactions soared during 2024 compared to 2023 and 2022. The average value of sales ranged between SAR 11 billion and SAR 14 billion in 2024, compared to SAR 10 billion to SAR 13 billion in 2023 and SAR 9 billion to SAR 12 billion in 2022. For the week ended on June 28, consumer spending was focused on the food and beverage (F&B) sector, representing 14.6% (SAR 1.99 billion) of last week's total POS transactions, followed by the restaurants and cafes sector at 13.9% (SAR 1.89 billion). Riyadh led in terms of POS transaction value by region, with approximately SAR 4.68 billion, representing 34.4% of the total. Jeddah followed with SAR 1.93 billion (14.1%). According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), e-payments in the retail (individuals) sector reached 79% of total payments carried out by individuals in the Kingdom during 2024. This achieved the target ratio in the Financial Sector Development Program, one of Vision 2030's programs, which aims to reach an e-payment ratio of 70% by 2025. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable progress and rapid growth in e-payment adoption, thanks to the myriad strategic efforts and initiatives launched by SAMA, in cooperation with the financial sector, to support the growth of the payments sector and stimulate the use of various e-payment methods in the Kingdom.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: National Assembly Approves the Public Pension and Related Payments Bill
The National Assembly, during its hybrid plenary sitting yesterday, approved the Public Sector Pension and Related Payments Bill. The Bill, introduced by the Minister of Finance as part of the 2025 Budget, proposes that public sector-related pension, post-retirement medical and other benefits in terms of statutory and collective agreement obligations become direct charges against the National Revenue Fund (NRF). This means the Bill will make it easier for the government to pay pensions and medical benefits to retired public servants, such as former presidents, Members of Parliament, military veterans, and other government employees. Instead of using the National Treasury's budget, these payments will now be made directly from the NRF – the central account for government funds. The current payment system makes it difficult for National Treasury to pay the benefits, as there are administrative requirements to track which department each retired claimant worked in, causing delays and complications. The new Bill will fix this by simplifying how and where the payments come from. In line with the requirements of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, the Standing Committee on Appropriations held public hearings and submissions were received from key stakeholders, including the Financial and Fiscal Commission, which supported the Bill's intent but raised concerns regarding fiscal transparency and the clear delineation of responsibilities between the government, the Government Employees Pension Fund and public servants. The Parliamentary Budget Office agreed with the Bill and said Parliament should always have a chance to approve any changes. The Congress of South African Trade Unions fully supported the Bill, saying it protects pensions and respects worker agreements. While the Standing Committee supports the Bill, it raised its concern with a clause that says if Parliament does not approve or reject changes to the list of benefits within three months, those changes will automatically become law. The committee does not agree with this and asked the Minister of Finance to remove that clause in the next round of changes. The committee further recommended that the Minister of Finance report back to Parliament in writing on the concerns raised and that the committee should be kept informed and involved in all future decisions about these pensions. The NA adopted the Bill and it will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Khaleej Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Dubai announces holiday for Hijri New Year for government employees
Dubai has announced the official holiday for Hijri New Year for government employees on Friday, June 27. The holiday will apply to government entities, departments and institutions and will exclude certain entities with employees working in shifts or those involved in providing essential public services or managing vital facilities. These organisations may determine appropriate working hours for such employees based on operational requirements to ensure uninterrupted services.
UAE Moments
24-05-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
What It's Like to Be a Whistleblower in Dubai?
In 2025, Dubai introduced a significant legal reform that changed the landscape for public employees willing to report corruption or misconduct. The new directive ensures that whistleblowers in government roles are not only heard but also protected from retaliation. For many, this is a major step forward in transparency and workplace integrity. Who Is Protected? If you work in the public sector in Dubai and are under the supervision of the Financial Audit Authority (FAA), you're covered by the new protections. This includes: Government employees who report financial or administrative violations Individuals who assist in related investigations Anyone involved in disclosing misconduct through the official reporting process Legal Safeguards and Protections Whistleblowers often fear losing their jobs or being punished for speaking up. Under this new law, that fear is addressed directly. Employees are protected from: Dismissal or demotion Harassment or disciplinary action Salary reductions or job reassignments These protections help create a safer space for honesty and integrity in the workplace. Maintaining Confidentiality All reports are kept strictly confidential. If you choose to blow the whistle, your identity will be protected throughout the entire process. Only authorized investigators will know who filed the report, and they are legally forbidden from disclosing your identity to anyone else. This commitment to privacy ensures that employees can speak out without fear of exposure or retaliation. The Reporting Process The process is structured and easy to follow. Eligible employees must submit reports through official FAA channels and can request whistleblower status as part of the submission. This clear, step-by-step process helps build trust in the system and avoids confusion. Who Handles the Investigation? Only experienced professionals will handle whistleblower reports. These investigators are trained to deal with financial and administrative violations and are expected to act independently, without influence from management. This professional approach ensures fairness and credibility in every case. Official Rollout and Oversight The directive—known officially as Decision No. 2 of 2025—came into effect immediately upon publication in Dubai's Official Gazette. Oversight and guidance for how it should be implemented across public institutions will be provided by the Director General of the FAA. Why This Change Matters This law represents a bold move toward better governance. It's a recognition that transparency and accountability are key to strong public institutions. With these protections in place, more employees may feel empowered to report wrongdoing, which ultimately helps protect public funds and improve services. Dubai vs. Other UAE Jurisdictions While the UAE has made efforts to promote whistleblower protections in various sectors, Dubai is leading the way in public sector reform. Past frameworks like Dubai Law No. 4 of 2016 and regulations in financial centers such as DIFC and ADGM offered some protections, but this new law takes a more comprehensive and enforceable approach. What It's Like for Whistleblowers For employees, the experience of being a whistleblower in Dubai is becoming safer and more structured. It now means: Relief: Knowing that the law is on your side Confidence: That your identity will be protected Security: That your career won't suffer Support: From trained professionals handling your case Remaining Challenges Despite these legal guarantees, emotional and social challenges remain. Some employees might still hesitate due to cultural stigma or fear of subtle backlash. Building long-term trust in the process will require consistent enforcement, awareness, and education across government institutions. Read More: The Highest Paid Jobs in the UAE Being a whistleblower in Dubai today is a vastly different experience from the past. With clear legal protections, confidentiality, and professional case handling, employees can now report wrongdoing without risking their livelihoods. This directive not only strengthens public trust but also promotes a healthier, more transparent government culture.
