Interior Ministry approval now ‘must’ for charity projects: Social Affairs Ministry
The new regulations are part of a wider strategy to improve accountability and compliance within the charitable sector while ensuring alignment with national security and foreign policy objectives
As part of tightening oversight and enhancing transparency in charity work, the Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced new conditions for the resumption of fundraising activities by charity organizations.
According to reliable sources, those involved in fund-raising activities must now obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior for local projects, and from both the ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs for international initiatives.
These requirements, according to Al-Rai daily, come as part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at reorganizing the charity sector and ensure proper governance.
The sources said the charity societies must respond to 10 key questions — providing supporting documentation when answering “yes” to any of them — in order to resume fundraising.
These questions cover aspects such as the existence of an internal organizational structure, financial and administrative regulations, the presence of an executive director or internal auditor, the location of headquarters (especially to know if situated in residential areas), and whether the disbursement of aid is done through a centralized system.
In an official letter addressed to the heads of boards of charity associations and foundations, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed that all previously issued licenses for domestic and international charity projects have been revoked.
Going forward, any new license application must be submitted exclusively through the automated charitable association management system.
The ministry outlined four key licensing conditions:
- Each charitable project requires a separate license application.
- Applications must specify the project’s estimated cost and implementation period.
- Approval from the Ministry of Interior is required for local projects, and from both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international ones.
- Donations for licensed projects must only be collected through the official websites of the respective association or foundation—no third-party platforms are allowed.
These new regulations are part of a wider strategy to improve accountability and compliance within the charitable sector while ensuring alignment with national security and foreign policy objectives.
