Shura Council approves organ transplant and Electronic Transactions laws
Muscat: The Shura Council approved the Electronic Transactions Law and the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law on Sunday.
Both the laws were referred by the government for study in accordance with the Article 49 of the Council of Oman Law.
Each permanent committee of the Shura Council diligently reviewed the proposed laws within their respective areas of expertise.
In discussing the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, Mansoor bin Zahir Al-Hajri, Chairman and Rapporteur of the Health and Social Committee, presented the committee’s findings. The law seeks to regulate organ and tissue transplantation, prevent trafficking, and protect donor and recipient rights. The committee engaged with relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies to gather comprehensive perspectives, resulting in several proposed amendments and additions to the 36-article law.
The Shura debated these recommendations thoroughly to refine the legislation.
The sitting commenced with a speech by the Chairman of the Shura Council, who stated, “On behalf of myself and on behalf of the esteemed members and staff of the Majlis, I extend heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. We pray for His Majesty’s continued health, happiness, long life and for prosperity and blessings upon the Omani people and the Islamic nation.”
He emphasised the significance of discussing and approving the Electronic Transactions Law and the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, urging Shura members to contribute their insights and proposals aligned with national objectives.
Electronic Transactions Law
During the discussion on the Electronic Transactions Law, Dr. Talal bin Said Al-Ma’amari, deputy Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Committee, highlighted the committee’s review process, which considered rapid technological advancements necessitating continuous legislative updates. The committee’s report underscored the law’s objectives and justifications, noting that the original Electronic Transactions Law from 2008 needed updating to address new technological developments and aspects not previously covered.
The new law, comprising 38 articles across seven chapters, aims to enhance trust in electronic transactions and services, facilitating various types of electronic dealings while protecting the rights of all parties involved.
The sitting involved detailed discussions on the committee’s recommended amendments to ensure the law’s robustness and relevance.
Agreements
The sitting also addressed the economic and Financial Committee’s views on two draft agreements: one with the Republic of Cyprus to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion and another with the Islamic Republic of Iran on joint administrative assistance in customs matters.
Additionally, the Shura approved several committee reports on expressed desires, including the Health and Social Committee’s evaluation of services for children in social welfare homes, the Economic and Financial Committee’s review of the Omani Export Credit Guarantee Agency, and the Food and Water Security Committee’s assessment of government companies in the fisheries sector.
The ninth regular sitting of the first annual session (2023-2024) of the tenth term (2023-2027) was chaired by Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al-Maawali and attended by the Majlis members and the Secretary General, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Nadabi.
The Shura is scheduled to host Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al- Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in a public sitting on Monday. She will present her ministry’s statement, covering key areas such as policies on higher education, research, innovation and relevant legislation aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
