Mohammed bin Rashid: The UAE is a state of law.. Preserving the transparency and integrity of the federal government is a top priority

The President of the State issues a decree on the accountability of ministers and senior officials of the Union

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His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, issued a federal decree regarding the accountability of ministers and senior officials of the Union, for their actions in the performance of their official functions.

The decree comes in light of the government's efforts to develop laws, regulations and systems that would enhance transparency, integrity and the rule of law in the federal government.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stressed that the UAE is a state of law, and maintaining the transparency and integrity of the federal government is a top priority.

His Highness said in tweets on Twitter: "Within the framework of enhancing transparency, oversight and accountability in the government of the UAE... Today, my brother, the President of the State, adopted a decree of law regarding the accountability of ministers and senior officials of the Union... where the Public Prosecution receives complaints and communications against any of the senior officials." ...and works to refer them for investigation in coordination with the Council of Ministers.

His Highness added: "Within the same law, the Attorney General can ban the travel of any official and freeze his money if necessary, and he can be removed from his job as a result of his administrative or financial violations.. Our state is a state of law.. Preserving the transparency and integrity of the Union government is a top priority."

The decree specified within its provisions the mechanisms for receiving complaints and communications against any senior officials, and they will be received through the Public Prosecution for consideration and necessary action before being referred for investigation.

The decree also specified the measures that will be taken if the facts are proven to be true and the investigation begins, which include issuing a decision banning the minister or official from traveling, freezing his money, or the money of his wife and minor children, or preventing him from disposing of all or some of them.

The decree included a number of penalties that will be imposed on the official if the charges are proven, which include censure, referral to pension, dismissal from job, or dismissal from job with deprivation of pension or reward within the limits of a quarter.

It is worth noting that the UAE ranked first regionally and 21st globally on the Corruption Perceptions Index for the year 2020, issued by Transparency International, the German non-governmental anti-corruption organization.

The country's advanced ranking reflects the leadership's keenness to combat corruption in all its forms, and the various initiatives launched by the UAE government to improve its services with high transparency.

To view the text of the decree,

please click on this link.

Deputy Head of State:

• “The Public Prosecution receives complaints and communications against any senior officials, and works to refer them for investigation.”

• “The Public Prosecutor can ban the travel of any official and freeze his funds if necessary, and he can be removed from his job.”

Sanctions

The decree “Accountability of Ministers and Senior Officials of the Union” included penalties to be imposed on the official if the charges are proven, including:

■ blame.

■ Referral to annuity.

■ Dismissal from employment.

■ Dismissal from employment with deprivation of pension or bonus within a quarter.

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