The Ministry of Social Development and Family, represented by the Department of Associations and Private Institutions, held an educational workshop for heads and members of association councils on Decree Law No. (21) of 2020, which continued for three days from 13 to 15 November, at the Ministry headquarters.

Legal Advisor Dr. Wael Shaalan presented the workshop, and representatives of the Ministry of Social Development and Family participated, in addition to the heads and members of the boards of directors of associations, including the Qatar Lawyers Association, the Qatar Society of Engineers, the Qatar Autism Society, the Qatar Society for Fine Arts, the Qatar Society for Celiac Awareness, and other associations.

Mr. Naji Al-Aji, Director of the Ministry Department of Associations and Private Institutions, said that this decree is considered a qualitative leap in the work process of associations, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations. He pointed out that the new law will increase the interaction of associations with society and the Ministry.

It will also increase partnerships and cooperation between them and state institutions. He added that it seeks community services and provides services that complement the services provided by the state, pointing out that the associations will have a prominent and distinctive role in serving the community in an integrated manner with the state.

He added that the law regulates the association and provides several activities and programs. It also serves a large segment of society’s members, whether cultural, scientific, or professional, in addition to educational activity. These are non-profit entities, but they aim to provide community services. The amendments are related to the work of associations and have given them greater freedom and flexibility, as they can now implement without referring to the Ministry. However, responsibility can be transferred to the management of the Association Council itself, and the Ministry’s role is limited to the oversight and supervisory aspects.

One of the conditions for establishing associations is that there are about 20 members who present the objectives of the association and wish to start establishing associations. The application is submitted using designated forms for that purpose. In the event of approval, it goes through the necessary legal procedures.

He explained that after completing the official procedures, the association’s approval of its new members, and obtaining good conduct, the members can have full rights and duties. Members do not have to wait approximately six months.

It is worth noting that the Department of Private Associations and Institutions is in the process of holding its fourth annual exhibition next December at Expo 2023 with the participation of several associations and institutions in the country.