Minister of Social Affairs Issues New Regulations for the Selection and Appointment of Temporary Administrations in Cooperatives

The Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, issued a ministerial decision outlining the conditions and controls for the selection, appointment, and performance monitoring of appointed members, interim managers, and interim boards of directors in cooperative societies and federations.

In a statement to KUNA, Al-Huwaili said the decision aims to enhance governance, improve administrative efficiency, and strengthen oversight of the cooperative sector. She emphasized that it reinforces the principle that appointment is a responsibility, not a privilege.

She added that the management of shareholders’ funds and interests must be based on competence, integrity, and accountability for results, stressing that interim management should serve as a tool for reform and addressing deficiencies, rather than merely replacing names with names.

Al-Huwaili clarified that the decision establishes a permanent committee to review candidates’ qualifications and creates an electronic database for applicants to verify compliance with legal and administrative requirements, ensure no conflicts of interest exist, and rank candidates based on academic qualifications, experience, and age.

She noted that the decision sets clear appointment criteria, including that candidates must hold a university degree with an “excellent” grade average in the last two years, and must not have received disciplinary penalties involving salary deductions or higher in the past three years.

The conditions also require candidates to pass an approved training program and examination with a score of at least 80%, undergo security clearance, and not have been previously dismissed from the board of directors of a cooperative society or federation, nor served on a board that was dissolved due to serious financial or administrative violations.

Furthermore, the decision obliges appointed members to comply with legislation regarding the disclosure of financial status, prevention of conflicts of interest, and disclosure of any direct or indirect interests.

Al-Huwaili added that the decision requires interim managers or interim boards of directors to prepare a work plan within 30 days of assuming their duties and to submit periodic reports every three months detailing progress percentages, remediation of violations, and the society’s financial and administrative status.

She affirmed that anyone assuming responsibility will be held accountable against a measurable work plan and results subject to monitoring and accountability. The decision allows for the termination of appointments if any conditions are no longer met, duties are neglected, authority is exceeded, or significant performance deficiencies are proven.