The Ministry of Finance revealed the details of the decision of the Council of Ministers issued on the reduction and cancellation of a package of services fees provided by some federal agencies, which will come into effect on 1 July 2019, as this reduction has reached 50% of some fees in order to enhance the attractiveness of the national economy, Reduce the cost of doing business, and increase the competitiveness of the state.
According to the decision, the scope of the reduction and cancellation includes a package of more than 1,500 government services for three major federal ministries to include the Ministries of Interior, Economy, Human Resources and Emiratisation. This initiative is part of the ministry's strategy to sustain the federal government's financial resources. Taxation is one of the most important tools of fiscal policy, which contributes to stable long-term income. Therefore, in order to achieve economic and financial balance, To reduce and cancel a package of fees belonging to three federal ministries during the first phase.
In addition, it was decided to reduce and cancel approximately 1,200 fees at the Ministry of Interior, reduce and cancel approximately 80 fees in the Ministry of Economy, and reduce and cancel approximately 200 fees in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. The decision was issued following an analytical study of service fees in the federal government. The measures and steps to be taken were determined according to the government's intention to strengthen the economy and increase the competitiveness of the UAE.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Younis Haji Al-Khouri said, "During the implementation of the Federal Fee Review Project, the Ministry of Finance has undertaken a standard study of fees and compared them with international best practices. It analyzed the outputs of this study to make recommendations for launching deliberate initiatives that support the gradual transformation of the system. Government revenue. "
"After completing the necessary studies and analyzes, the Ministry of Finance proposed immediate measures to reduce fees to enhance competitiveness by setting a maximum target for revenues received in the coming years, which in turn will strengthen the business sector and encourage innovation in government services, To support the government's vision to develop the national economy on a sound and sustainable basis and to transform the knowledge economy. "
It is worth noting that the first package of reduced and canceled government services announced in accordance with the Council of Ministers' decision covers a wide range of services provided by the Ministries of Interior, Economy, Human Resources and Emiratisation. The amended services fees for the Ministry of Interior include issuing or renewing a number of licenses and fees for certain activities Certificates of completion and license fees for companies specializing in preventive safety and others. The list of fees canceled includes a wide range of business and industrial licensing services, Of.
And on the fees for services modified by the Ministry of Economy include a range of services for auditors, trademarks and commercial agencies and the registration of industrial projects in the industrial register and certificates of origin for national products and others. While the list of canceled service fees includes requests for information, annual fees for years of protection, requests for renewal and registration of an agent, and other services that contribute to reducing the financial burden on companies operating in the country.
The list of fees for modified and canceled services in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers included more than 200 services, including the issuance and renewal of work permits, the amendment of the employment contract, the training permit services inside the country, From one facility to another, and other services.
These decisions are expected to enhance the attractiveness of the business environment in the UAE and enable entrepreneurs to create new investment opportunities for the UAE market to become more powerful and effective. These decisions will also contribute to creating more job opportunities in the UAE and enhance the country's competitiveness globally as a business hub.
In the coming period, the Ministry of Finance will continue to review all Federal Government services fees and conduct the necessary normative studies to develop the principles and criteria for approving the fees, prepare a policy framework for pricing to assist in the evaluation as well as evaluate the procedures currently in place and determine their impact on the market and business sector in the country.