JEDDAH, 1 January 2008 — The consultative Shoura Council yesterday passed a new law to regulate nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) after months of discussions, replacing the old one that was issued 17 years ago.
The Shoura, which was chaired by its President Saleh Bin-Humaid, completed the discussion on the 51-article law yesterday before passing it.
Ahmed ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Yahya, assistant secretary-general of the Shoura, described the law as one of the most important laws debated by the Shoura.
Muhammad Rida Nasrallah, a member of the Shoura, said it was high time for NGOs to play a greater role in the development of society along with the state. He said the new law would boost NGOs in the country. “It augurs well with the Kingdom’s economic and social openness,” he added.
A special Shoura panel, chaired by Abdul Rahman Al-Suwailem, prepared the final draft of the law incorporating different views and observations.
The law calls for the formation of a national commission for NGOs in order to supervise and manage their activities. It also contains rules and regulations for the merger and dissolution of NGOs in the country and for spending their wealth.
The law allows organizations having similar activities to establish their federations in order to strengthen their capabilities. Family funds will also come under the new law, giving them the required legal status.
However, such funds will not receive any financial support from the government like charitable organizations.
The commission will be an independent body linked directly to the prime minister. Based in Riyadh, it can open its branches and offices in all regions of the Kingdom.
It will register and license NGOs and federations and provide government assistance to deserving organizations. It will also follow up the performance of NGOs and monitor their financial activities.
The commission will have a 15-member board of directors, chaired by a Cabinet member, according to Shoura sources. Five members will be from government departments and 10 from private organizations.
The government representatives will come from the ministries of Islamic Affairs, Social Affairs, Higher Education, Commerce and Interior. Other members include three from charitable societies, two from professional societies, two from scientific societies, two from private establishments and one from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
