Latest news with #Decree-LawNo.
Daily Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Focus on economic and tax legislation
The Shura Council is set to convene its 29th meeting of the third session of the sixth legislative term today to discuss several key legislative proposals aimed at enhancing Bahrain's financial, economic, and investment landscape. At the forefront of the agenda is the report of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee regarding Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, which pertains to the regulation of tax on multinational enterprises. The committee has recommended approval of the decree, which is viewed as a crucial step toward supporting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to strengthen public revenue, diversify funding sources, and address the fiscal deficit. Decree The committee emphasised that the decree supports Bahrain's economic strategy by ensuring financial stability, promoting sustainable growth, and enhancing tax fairness and social justice. It also aligns with international standards by establishing a local framework to implement the global minimum tax for multinational enterprise groups, in accordance with the OECD's base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) guidelines. In the same session, the Council will review another report from the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee concerning amendments to Law No. (9) of 2016 on specifications and standards, under Decree No. (2) of 2025. The draft law proposes updates to the mechanisms for publishing national standards and technical regulations and introduces penalties for the unauthorized use or misrepresentation of such standards. Proposed amendments According to the committee, the proposed amendments aim to modernise the regulatory framework by expanding the structure and membership of the National Committee for Standards and Metrology. This will ensure broader representation across relevant sectors and improve responsiveness to evolving industrial and commercial needs. The Council will also examine two foreign agreements aimed at enhancing Bahrain's international investment ties. The first, submitted under Decree No. (9) of 2025, concerns the ratification of an agreement with the Republic of Korea to encourage and protect investment. The agreement is designed to stimulate economic cooperation and create favorable conditions for bilateral investment initiatives. Draft law Under Decree No. (12) of 2025, the Council will consider a draft law ratifying an agreement with the Sultanate of Oman on the elimination of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion concerning income taxes. This agreement seeks to strengthen economic and trade ties between the two countries and foster a more transparent and cooperative tax environment. The Shura Council's review of these legislative proposals reflects its continued role in shaping Bahrain's economic and legal infrastructure to support sustainable development and international competitiveness.
Arab Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Cabinet Pushes Ahead with Legal Reforms, Urban Development Plans
KUWAIT CITY, May 6: The Council of Ministers convened its weekly session on Monday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The meeting addressed a broad range of national issues, legal reforms, and developmental plans, reflecting the government's ongoing efforts to enhance governance and public services. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Al-Muasherji confirmed that the Cabinet began the session by acknowledging the upcoming patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness is scheduled to attend a ceremony on Wednesday morning to honor top graduates of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) for the 2023/2024 academic year. The event will take place at the Authority's new General Diwan Theater in Shuwaikh. Strengthening International Ties The Cabinet also reviewed correspondence addressed to His Highness the Amir from leaders of various friendly and allied nations. The letters emphasized mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across diverse sectors. Enhancing Local Governance In a move aimed at improving local administrative efficiency, the Cabinet held a special session with the country's governors. Present at the meeting were Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah (Farwaniya), Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah (Capital), Sheikh Sabah Badr Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (Mubarak Al-Kabeer), Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (Ahmadi), and Hamad Jassim Muhammad Al-Habashi (Jahra). The discussion focused on enhancing the role of governors in light of the recently issued Decree No. (151) of 2024, which outlines the functions and authorities of governorates. The Cabinet stressed the importance of establishing a Governorate Council in each region. These councils would include representatives from relevant government agencies, nominated by respective ministers in coordination with the local governor, to improve service delivery and address citizens' needs more effectively. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the governors' efforts and pledged to allocate the necessary resources to enable them to fulfill their duties in the best interest of the public. Legal Reforms and Decree The Cabinet approved several draft decree-laws following recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs. These include: Amendments to Decree-Law No. (46) of 1989 on small-value claims, raising the efficiency of the judicial process for cases under KD 2,000.n Amendments to Law No. (118) of 2023 regarding the formation of companies tasked with developing new cities and residential areas. The Public Institution for Housing Care, in coordination with the Fatwa and Legislation Department, was assigned to draft the explanatory memorandum.n Amendments to Article 16 of Law No. (12) of 2011 concerning public assistance. The Ministry of Social Affairs will work alongside the Fatwa and Legislation Department to prepare the related explanatory text.n Additionally, the Cabinet approved a draft decree ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding on Social Affairs and Development between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing bilateral collaboration in social development. T2 Airport Terminal Project The Council also reviewed the progress of the Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project. The meeting, attended by relevant regulatory authorities, focused on expediting project execution. To streamline approval processes, the Cabinet formed a dedicated working group composed of representatives from key governmental and oversight bodies. Nationality Matters Under Decree Law No. (15) of 1959 and its amendments, the Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality. These included decisions related to the loss and revocation of nationality in specific cases. Final Decisions The Cabinet concluded the session by approving several additional agenda items and referred others to specialized ministerial committees for further review and the preparation of implementation reports.
Arab Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait implements new law for conditional release of prisoners
KUWAIT CITY, May 4: The official publication 'Kuwait Today' (Kuwait Al-Youm) has released Decree-Law No. (64) of 2025, which amends Article (91) of the Penal Code, originally issued by Law No. 16 of 1960. The new law introduces a restructured process for the conditional release of prisoners. Under the updated law, the length of the prison sentence and the type of case are no longer factors in determining eligibility for conditional release. A committee, formed by the Minister of Interior, will review cases and submit recommendations. Following the committee's advice, the Minister of Interior will request the Public Prosecutor to grant the convict's release, regardless of the sentence's duration. Additionally, the law provides the Minister of Interior with the authority to request the cancellation of a conditional release decision, based on the committee's recommendation. If such a request is made, the Public Prosecutor can order the convict to be returned to prison. Article 1 of the decree-law replaces the existing text of Article (91) with a new provision, which states: "The Public Prosecutor shall be competent to issue a release order based on a request from the Minister of Interior, or his representative, after a recommendation from a committee formed by the Minister of Interior. The committee, which includes representatives from both the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior, will assess the convict's behavior during incarceration to determine whether their release poses a security risk or indicates genuine reform. The release may be revoked by the Public Prosecutor upon a request from the Minister of Interior, following the committee's recommendation." Article 2 outlines that the relevant ministers are tasked with implementing this decree-law, which will take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette. The new law aims to provide a more flexible and proactive approach to conditional release, ensuring that prisoners are only granted release when it is deemed safe and appropriate, while maintaining a rigorous review process to ensure public safety.
Arab Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Amends Penal Code: New Authority Granted to Public Prosecutor for Inmate Release
KUWAIT CITY, May 4: A new legislative amendment has been enacted through Decree-Law No. (64) of 2025, revising Article 91 of the Penal Code originally issued under Law No. 16 of 1960. According to Article 1 of the new decree, the amended Article 91 now stipulates the following: The Public Prosecutor shall have the authority to issue a release order upon a request submitted by the Minister of Interior or his authorized representative. This action must follow the recommendation of a specialized committee established by the Minister of Interior's decision. The committee shall include representatives from the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior and will be tasked with reviewing release applications. The committee is responsible for evaluating whether the convict's behavior during incarceration demonstrates genuine rehabilitation and whether their release would pose any risk to public security. Should circumstances warrant, the release order may be revoked by the Public Prosecutor, again based on a request from the Minister of Interior or his representative, and following a recommendation from the committee as mentioned earlier.
