His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Mukhtar Al-Yafei, has issued Directive No. (2) of 2026 regarding the regulation of procedures for the registration and declaration (official licensing) of civil society organizations and foundations. The directive is addressed to the Directors General of the Ministry's offices in the governorates, aiming to enhance the control and organization of the registration and declaration process and ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing the work of civil society organizations.

The directive clarified that these measures are based on the provisions of Law No. (1) of 2001 concerning Associations and Foundations, and the Prime Minister's Decision No. (129) of 2004 regarding its Executive Regulations. This is to ensure the soundness of legal procedures and the accuracy of official data related to the registration of associations and foundations.

The directive pointed to observations noted by the Ministry regarding some of its offices in the governorates undertaking registration or declaration procedures for associations and foundations either outside their jurisdiction or without fulfilling the required legal conditions. This situation necessitates organizing and standardizing procedures according to approved legal frameworks.

The directive emphasized the necessity of not commencing any procedures for the registration or declaration of any civil society organization, foundation, union, or the registration of their branches in the governorates, except after obtaining prior approval from His Excellency the Minister, through the Office of the Minister at the Ministry's headquarters or the relevant specialized ministry office.

Furthermore, the directive obligates the Ministry's offices in the governorates to submit regularly updated lists containing the names of the associations and foundations that have been registered or declared based on the Ministry's approval. This aims to document their data in the central electronic database and official records. It stressed the necessity for all Ministry offices to implement its contents, each within its area of jurisdiction.