Bahrain: Tattoo artists could be outlawed in Bahrain under a parliamentary proposal that will be discussed on Tuesday.
The move to make the practice illegal has already been endorsed by parliament’s services committee and the Health Ministry.
One MP described tattoos as un-Islamic, while the Health Ministry says unhygienic tattoo machines could increase the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
In a letter to parliament the Health Ministry said it had been taking steps to combat the practice, such as rejecting applications to offer the service by existing salons.
Registration There is also no Commercial Registration (CR) available to open a tattoo parlour in Bahrain, but tattoo artists are operating independently – often advertising their services on social media.
“We back MPs’ proposal to ban tattooing and since it has become fashionable in the country we have been trying to locate its sources, which are not authorised by any government body, under the clear belief that the harm is greater than the benefit,” said the Health Ministry in its letter to parliament.
“There are some rare cases where tattoos could be used for beautification or deformities, like problems in eyebrows or lips.
“We have received numerous applications from male and female hairdressers and massage parlours to include the service under their health licence, but we rejected them.
“The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry has been asked not to list the service individually, or among others, on Commercial Registrations (CRs).”
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