Greater convenience proposed for non-local arbitrators

The First Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) has proposed that the government ease restrictions to make it more convenient for non-local arbitrators to work in Macau.

Yesterday, the committee conducted another discussion on the arbitration law.

Ho Ion Sang, chairman of the committee, reported to the media that the SAR government has submitted a new work report to the committee and that many changes have been made in accordance with the committee’s previous suggestions.

In order to attract more “international professionals and well- known arbitrators” to Macau and enhance the city’s international arbitration reputation, the law added an article to exempt the provisions of administrative approval.

This specific article simplified procedures for non-local arbitrators staying in Macau.

The bill proposed that non-local arbitrators coming to Macau to provide a service would only need to inform the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) with proof issued by the relevant arbitration organization, among other documents. Afterwards, the DSAL would forward the relevant documents to the Secretary for Economy and Finance.

The committee believes that the step of notifying the secretary can be exempted. The government responded that it would examine the proposal.

In addition to this specific bill, the local government is planning to amend the immigration regulations to make it more convenient for non-local arbitrators to stay in Macau and also give them tax benefits.

However, the aforementioned tax benefits will not be included in the arbitration law.

In future, the government will also adopt a unified tax exemption policy for professional services, including tax benefits.

Some lawmakers had also previously proposed that Macau recognize non-local arbitration laws in the city. JZ