Amendment to law on combating cybercrimes gets Shura approval

Qatar Tribune

30-06-2025

During the session, the Council approved a draft law amending certain provisions of Law No (14) of 2014 on Combating Cybercrimes, and a draft law amending provisions of the Shura Council's internal regulations issued under Law No. (8) of 2024.
Subsequently, the Council reviewed the report of the Internal and External Affairs Committee regarding the government's statement on the Council's proposal related to regulating procedures for domestic workers departing the country, and adopted the appropriate decision.
The Council also reviewed the report of the Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing Committee concerning the government's statement on the Council's proposal regarding the rising divorce rates in society, and issued its decision accordingly.
Furthermore, the Council listened to reports on the participation of its delegations in a number of international parliamentary events, including visits to the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Following this, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council read Amiri Decree No. (58) of 2025 declaring the closure of the fourth regular session of the First Legislative Term, corresponding to the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council, effective Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
At the conclusion of the session, Al Ghanim delivered an address in which he described the occasion as a significant national milestone, marking the conclusion of four years of diligent work under the wise leadership of HH the Amir, whose generous support and patronage provided a solid foundation for legislative and oversight practices.
He noted that this legislative term represented a phase of development, institution-building, and activation of roles, during which the Council expanded its functions, engaged with society, and interacted with its regional and international surroundings, reflecting the State's aspirations to entrench the Shura (consultative) principle and enhance institutional work.
He highlighted that the fourth regular session witnessed 81 committee meetings addressing 49 vital topics of national interest.
The Council also passed several key draft laws during the term, including amendments to the Human Resources Law, the Law on Persons with Disabilities, and legislation related to legal practice, anti-money laundering, genetic fingerprinting, the State emblem, and landmark regulations in innovation, scientific research, water, mobility, and anti-doping in sports.
He emphasised the Council's special attention to issues reflecting the daily concerns of citizens, including social values, national identity, family upbringing, student summer employment, senior citizen services, regulation of digital media content, healthcare services, medical appointments, and agricultural investment and production.
He pointed out that these proposals stemmed from close monitoring and direct engagement with the community and were positively received by the esteemed government, in a clear expression of the principle of cooperation and integration between the legislative and executive branches, in line with the wise guidance of HH the Amir.
He praised the fruitful cooperation between the Council and the government, noting that the Council hosted several ministers who presented their strategic plans and responded to members' inquiries and observations in sessions characterised by transparency, substantive dialogue, and a shared pursuit of harmonising planning, implementation, oversight, and follow-up.
In the field of parliamentary diplomacy, he noted that the Council had a strong and impactful presence in regional and international parliamentary conferences, actively participating in discussions on human rights, food security, digital transformation, climate change, and international peace and security.
He added that the Council received a number of parliamentary delegations and leaders of legislative bodies from sisterly and friendly nations, holding constructive meetings focused on experience-sharing, coordination, and building parliamentary partnerships that support intercommunal rapprochement and fruitful legislative cooperation.
He continued, 'In the realm of external parliamentary engagement, several Council members assumed prominent positions in regional and international parliamentary unions and organizations, thereby elevating the Council's standing on the global stage and enabling it to contribute meaningfully to shaping global parliamentary agendas and decision-making.'
He stressed that this reflects the State of Qatar's esteemed position regionally and internationally.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Council's unwavering commitment to promoting Qatar's image in regional and international fora, voicing the country's principled positions, and defending causes important to the Arab and Islamic nations, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.
He reiterated the Council's rejection of any attempts to undermine this just cause and called for an immediate end to the ongoing aggression and grave violations endured by the Palestinian people.
He underscored the Council's position advocating for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the principles of international law.
He emphasized that the Council's work was guided by the national vision laid down by HH the Amir, citizens' aspirations, and the country's supreme interests. He described legislation and oversight as tools for development, and dialogue as a bridge for integration with society and state institutions, with a firm commitment to upholding Qatari identity, strengthening family values, and maintaining national cohesion amid evolving global dynamics.
In conclusion, the speaker stated that the achievements of the First Legislative Term represent a distinguished national accomplishment worthy of recognition, made possible by the dedication and sincere efforts of Council members.
He expressed his appreciation to all who contributed to these achievements that serve the nation and support its continued progress and development.