Social Affairs Ministry proposes 100 dinars fee for NGO registration

Following the issuance of Decree-Law No. 1/2025 on fees and financial costs for the use of public facilities and services — which authorizes each government entity to set such fees upon Cabinet approval — the Ministry of Social Affairs is planning to introduce fees for registering new public benefit associations.

Al-Jarida has learned from informed sources that the proposed fee is set at 100 dinars, subject to revision by the Ministry of Finance.

If approved, applicants will pay 50 dinars upon submitting the request for registration, with the remaining 50 dinars to be paid after the Committee for Advertising, Evaluation, and Dissolution of Public Benefit Associations approves the application.

The first installment would be non-refundable, while the second would be refunded if the application is rejected after review of the association’s bylaws and objectives.

The sources cited two primary objectives behind the proposal:

• Enhancing Ministry Revenues: In alignment with Cabinet directives aimed at reducing pressure on the public treasury, the Ministry seeks to evolve from being solely a provider of financial aid to also becoming a revenue-generating entity, thereby helping rationalize public spending.
• Ensuring Seriousness of Applications: By introducing a fee, the Ministry aims to deter superficial or prestige-driven requests and ensure applicants are genuinely committed to providing meaningful societal services. This follows the recent dissolution of several dormant associations that failed to comply with regulations or fulfill their declared objectives.

The report also revealed that eight associations have received a third and final warning. If they do not respond within the legally prescribed timeframe, the Ministry will submit a memorandum to Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah recommending legal action, which may include dissolution and asset liquidation.

Should these actions proceed, the total number of dissolved public benefit associations will rise to 29, reducing the overall count from 207 to 178 active associations in the country.