New law issued for private associations and foundations

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, in co-ordination with the competent authorities in the country, studied a new law for private associations and foundations, aiming to contribute to the implementation of social protection programmes in the national development strategies.

Decree Law (21) of 2020 has been issued regarding private associations and foundations.

It includes amendments aimed at addressing the problems that faced the associations, their boards of directors and members of their general assemblies, in implementing some of the articles of the law.

In a statement, HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Yousef bin Mohamed alOthman Fakhro underlined the importance of partnership and co-operation between the state institutions and the private associations and foundations to implement the national development plans, praising their role in providing many social, educational, scientific, cultural and professional services.

HE the minister added that the ministry is working continuously to activate this partnership and provide a helping hand and support to these national bodies, calling for more co-operation, co-ordination and real partnership to serve the national interest.

Meanwhile, the ministry said in a statement on the issuance of the new private associations and foundations law that the amendments approved in the new law would contribute to achieving greater flexibility for registering private associations and foundations.

The amendments also allow members of the general assemblies to enjoy their full rights without the need to complete six months after joining the assembly as it was previously.

According to the statement, the new amendments regulate the mechanism for conducting the general assembly elections for the board of directors, in a way that contributes to equal opportunities among all members of the association, and allows them to view the records of the members who have the right to run and be elected.

The board of directors is obligated to publish a list of the names of the members of the general assembly who have fulfilled their obligations towards the association, at its headquarters or on its website, or both, at least 60 days before the date of the general assembly meetings.

The amendments also allow more formal methods of communication between the association and its members in all forms or means available electronically, while in the past they were limited to registered mail only, in order to enhance communication between members and the association, and equal opportunities among members to attend the general assembly meetings and participate in the elections.

The amendments also provide for the formation of an election committee from members of the general assembly, in a move that would achieve independence for associations in managing the election process for their boards of directors.