New implementing regulations for legal practice enter into force
The regulation includes a number of new articles and new regulations:
- The Rules of Discipline and the filing and consideration of disciplinary proceedings issued in 1443 will be repealed;
- The Implementing Regulations governing the licensing of foreign law firms issued in 1444 will be repealed;
- The rules for limiting conflicts of interest for those who have previously worked in the judiciary and the like when practicing the legal profession, issued in 1444, will be cancelled.
The regulation shall come into effect in mid-Rajab 1446 H.
The Ministry of Justice, in coordination with the Saudi Arabian Sports Arbitration Centre, has adopted the procedure for the enforcement of arbitral awards issued by the Centre, recognizing them as enforceable instruments. This procedural framework ensures one of the most significant guarantees for the litigants before the Centre to obtain their rights by submitting a request for enforcement of the arbitral awards issued by the Centre to the competent court in a smooth and facilitated manner, in accordance with the provisions of the Enforcement Law, and contributes to the enforcement of the arbitral award issued in sports disputes or sports-related disputes such as sports investment contracts, sponsorship, advertising, etc.
Issuance of National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor
Cabinet has approved the National Policy to Combat Forced Labour includes a set of guiding principles, most notably the promotion of decent working conditions for all and an integrated governmental approach that ensures coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders to eliminate forced labour.
Amendment of the Regulations for those Appointed under Wages System in Government
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has decided to amend Article (11) of the Regulation for Wage Appointees in Administrative Bodies, which relates to working hours, holidays, public holidays and allowances.
Introduction of the "Golden Handshake" Program for Government Employees
The Ministry of Human Resources has introduced the 'Golden Handshake' program to advertise government job vacancies electronically. The program includes offering financial incentives to resigning employees, with age and years of service criteria, with priority given to lower qualifications.
Approval of the amendment to Environmental Service Providers Regulation under the Environment Law
The amendment includes services that require a license, procedures, penalties, and a schedule of violations.
This decision enters into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The Cabinet decided to amend the Traffic Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/85) dated 26/10/1428 H. The amendments include:
- Cancellation of Article (71) related to the cancellation of the fine for delaying the renewal of driving licenses and traffic permits.
- Amending Table of Violations No. (2) attached to the Law - as amended by Royal Decree No. (M/115) dated 5/12/1439H - by adding a paragraph No. (16) with the following text 'Driving a vehicle on roads with an expired driver's licence'.
Approval of the Petroleum and Petrochemical Materials System
The Cabinet has approved the Petroleum and Petrochemical Materials System, which consists of 22 articles. One of the key provisions is Article 15, which imposes penalties on anyone who exports a priced petroleum material or a material containing a priced petroleum substance outside the Kingdom without a license or attempts to do so. The penalties include:
- Imprisonment for up to 5 years.
- A financial fine of up to 30 million Riyals or double the value of the petroleum material involved in the crime at the global price at the time of seizure, whichever is higher.
- Seizure of the materials involved in the crime.
The system will take effect 90 days after its publication in the official gazette.
Approval of Regulatory Framework for the National Cybersecurity Authority
Approval of the statutory possibilities of the National Cybersecurity Authority, which contained 7 offences subject to penalties, including:
- Practicing activities without obtaining a licence.
- Failure to adhere to policies, government mechanisms, frameworks, standards and controls.
- Obstructing inspectors in any way.
Decisions issued by the committee stipulated in these possibilities may be appealed to the Administrative Court within (60) days from the date of notification of the decision.
shall enter into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, and all provisions that contradict them shall be cancelled
A Number of Controls and Guides were issued during the month of January, including:
1. Controls of government entities renting real estate outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
2. Controls of authorizing tourism activities in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.
3. National Waste Management Centre:
- Policies and technical guides for temporary storage of waste.
- Policies and technical guides for inspections and audits.
- Policies and technical guides for licenses.
- Policies and technical guides for waste management plans.
- Policies and technical guides for waste categorization.
- Technical controls and guides for the design, construction and operation of waste incineration facilities.
- Technical Controls and Guides for Healthcare Waste Management.
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