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The new Criminal Procedure Law came into effect from 1st March 2023

Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2022 - On the Issuance of the Criminal Procedure Law Criminal Procedural Code (New Law) abrogated the federal law no. 35/1992(Old Law) the criminal procedural law as well as the federal law no. 5/2017 on the use of telecommunication in criminal proceedings. The New Law came into effect on 1st March 2023. Following are the Major Changes in the Law: Issuing Travel Ban during Investigation Under the New Law, Public Prosecution during their investigation can issue a Travel Ban against the defendant Appealing Decisions on Extension of Detention during Investigation: The New Law provides the defendant with option to appeal the extension of their detention. Confiscation of Funds and Preventing its disposal The public prosecutor or the court may take Precautionary measures to track suspicious funds and prevent to dispose them. This section also provides that a person can also file grievance against such measure of the public prosecutor or the court. It further mentions that these precautionary measures will end once the judgment is issued. Changing or replacing the condition of the bail or cancelling it The Public Prosecution member may change or replace the condition of the bail or cancel it, or order his detention or continuation of detention from the date of issuance of the release order pending the bail if providing personal or financial bail is not possible. Minor Felony Court The New Law has introduced a New Minor Felony Court that shall comprise of a single judge and have jurisdiction over felonies punishable by temporary imprisonment. Penal Mediation This New Law has It also introduced provisions for confidentiality of the Mediation as well as rejection or dismissal of the mediator. Criminal Settlement This Law has also introduced the provisions for criminal settlement and the penalties that can be imposed in case of settlement. However in case Qisas, Diya, Crimes against juveniles cannot be settled. And in case of Felonies only the felonies punishable by temporary imprisonment and those that are indiscriminately related to misdemeanor can be settled Use of Electronic Technology The New Law provides that remote communication technology can be used during Judicial and crime investigation, gathering evidence and by public prosecutions and the court. And also gives electronic signatures the same binding force as signatures. Changes in the Limits

What are the licensing requirements for foreign law firms in Saudi Arabia?

Foreign law firms must have a distinguished international reputation in the legal profession. Foreign law firms must have been established for at least 10 years. The firms must have representation or partnerships in at least 3 countries or 5 regions within one country. They must name at least 2 partners committed to residing in Saudi Arabia for at least 180 days per year. Foreign law firms must pay the license fee. The firms must not have a final judgment against them for a crime against honor or trust or a serious professional violation within the past 5 years. Licensing Procedures License applications for foreign law firms must be submitted electronically through the Najiz.sa portal. Required documents include authorization for the legal representative, licensing documents for the foreign law firm and its partners, and an acknowledgement of no prior judgments or decisions against them. Foreign law firms must obtain a license from the competent authority to grant licenses to foreign investment in KSA. Before practicing in Saudi Arabia, foreign law firms must be registered with the Saudi Bar Association and establish a headquarters for practicing the profession. Licensing duration & Activities allowed The license duration is five years, renewable for another period or periods. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the license expiry date. Activities allowed under the license include consulting in matters related to international and non-Saudi regulations, alternative dispute services, and specialized project or legislation-related consulting

One time 30-day VISA extension service for 90day Visit VISAs from Smart Service Introduced in UAE

The UAE government has recently introduced new updates to the identity, citizenship, customs, and Port Security UAE system. This includes the possibility of extending visitor visas for relatives and friends of UAE residents, as well as the validity of pre-entry visas and the issuance of visas for family groups visiting the country for #tourism or medical purposes. Citizens of Gulf countries registered in the system without an Emirates ID can also now cancel and change VISA information. For those who need to apply for a visa, they must submit photocopies of their passports, passport-size pictures, a confirmed roundtrip flight ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of travel medical insurance for UAE, a letter stating the purposes and duration of the visit, and possibly additional documents such as proof of financial status, proof of current address, and a marriage certificate. Citizens of certain countries can also enter the UAE without a visa for short stays.