“Affairs Ministry” issues new circulars to address corruption reports

The Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, following her announcement regarding the receipt of 100 reports of suspected corruption in the ministry’s sectors and the societies under its supervision, Hiba Al-Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and head of the team studying corruption reports, revealed that new circulars and amendments to regulations have been issued.

Importantly, these measures aim to address issues identified in the reports. While many reports were found to highlight administrative issues rather than corruption, they have been thoroughly reviewed, and effective mechanisms have been implemented to resolve them and prevent future occurrences.

Al-Shammari explained to Al-Jarida that the team’s key recommendations, after reviewing the reports, included a proposal to amend the appendix to the organizational regulations for the roles and responsibilities of financial and administrative supervisors appointed by the ministry in cooperatives.

Additionally, amendments to other organizational and executive regulations were proposed. The team also emphasized the importance of ensuring that supervisory positions, managers, supervisors, and department heads adhere to the Civil Service Council’s decisions concerning the rules and provisions governing official working hours.

Confidentiality of Reports

Al-Shammari highlighted the confidentiality of the reports, explaining that the team had received a total of 100 reports through the dedicated email, following 22 meetings over the past six months.

Of these, 92 were related to the “Affairs” sectors, 5 to the Social Development Office, and 3 to the Public Authority for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities. She stressed that complete confidentiality is maintained while handling the reports until they are fully verified to prevent any material or moral harm to individuals whose names or job titles are mentioned.

Al-Shammari stated that if the reports are proven to be true or if there is evidence indicating possible suspicions, the Ministry of Social Affairs will take immediate legal action.

What’s more is that Al-Shammari emphasized that Minister Al-Huwailah is closely monitoring the results of the team’s work, noting the Minister’s strong commitment to addressing any issues within all sectors of the Ministry of Social Affairs and its affiliated entities. This effort aligns with the directives of the political leadership and the Council of Ministers to ensure effective governance.