UAE’s FNC members approve 15 draft laws in 13 sessions

UAE’s FNC members approve 15 draft laws in 13 sessions

In addition, the FNC committees also held 167 meetings and organised six seminars and field visits.





Major draft laws passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) members this year include the witness protection law and a new consumer protection bill.

According to the FNC's first session report of the seventh legislative council - from November 14, 2019, to June 30, 2020 - the FNC members approved 15 draft laws in 13 sessions. More than 44 questions covering various sectors were posed to different government departments and ministries by the FNC.

Protection of witnesses

The federal law protecting witnesses and secret sources in criminal cases was approved on May 6. It identifies categories of persons who are entitled to legal protection - secret sources, witnesses, informants, victims and experts. It also provides that the legal protection be extended to the family members of the above persons, in addition to any others whose life or safety might be in danger because of their close relationship with the protected person.

The legislation, which sets out fines of up to Dh100,000 and jail sentences to violators, aims to provide security to individuals who may come under threat for giving evidence in court cases. The law gives