In alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030's objective to transition from an oil-based to a knowledge-based economy, seeking to diversify the Qatari economy and ensure a stable and sustainable business climate, Qatar has unveiled a new postal services law. This initiative is designed to foster growth in the postal sector, heighten market competition, optimize service delivery, and bolster the national economy.
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that Law No. (15) of 2023 aligns seamlessly with the latest international developments, technology and sector regulating legislations, in accordance with international trade agreements and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) recommendations. It embraces the evolving digital technology landscape, acknowledges the surge in e-commerce and digital transformation. The overarching aim is to stimulate competition in the postal market, improve the quality of postal services, and attract investments.
The new legislation distinctly outlines the responsibilities of entities overseeing postal services. It reaffirms the role of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in crafting overarching policies for the postal sector, sketching out essential plans and programs in alignment with the comprehensive development requirements in Qatar, and defining the postal market's structure. This also includes strategies to invite more investments in the sector.
The law also highlights the pivotal duties of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). Its key roles include regulating and monitoring the postal sector per the new law and the broader policy established by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Additionally, CRA undertakes critical responsibilities, such as drafting a regulatory strategy in order to implement the postal sector’s general policies, creating a consumer protection policy, monitoring the adherence of service providers to these policies, overseeing the implementation of service terms between providers and customers, and ensuring fair and suitable resolutions. It also recommends terms for granting licenses to service providers, supervises their compliance in accordance with the provisions of the law, protects consumers’ rights, addresses their grievances and determine a final decision, and place regulations for the law's efficient execution.
Service Providers
Every individual or entity licensed to offer postal services falls under the category of a postal service provider. According to the new law, this covers both the public postal operator and various local and international courier companies. As stipulated by the new law, every postal service provider operating in Qatar needs to secure a license prior to starting activity. The framework for this licensing process will be laid down by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The law also elaborates on the obligations and duties of these Service Providers.
The new law clarifies the services dispensed by the State's public postal operator. These encompass a range of comprehensive services and some exclusive offerings, like local postal services where both the origin and destination are within Qatar's borders. Another exclusive offering is the production, issuance, and sale of postage stamps imprinted with "Qatar" or any associated Qatari symbol or slogan.
Postal Services Market Outlook
This law explains the governing mechanism for Qatar's postal services sector. It touches upon critical aspects like service pricing, promoting fair competition, defining access rights, providing resolution mechanisms for disputes among providers, and setting forth penalties for those who violate its terms. The law plays a pivotal role in elevating the postal sector locally, ensuring collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders in the postal domain.
Moreover, the law addresses the need for updating previous legislations regarding postal services. This is in view of the rapid economic, developmental, and investment transformations that Qatar is currently experiencing across all its sectors. The ultimate goal is to enhance transparency, foster competitiveness in this crucial sector, and elevate the standard of postal services extended to Qatar's citizens, corporate entities, and other institutions.