PEOPLE wanting to tie the knot may have to attend mandatory pre-marital counselling sessions to be allowed to sign the marriage contract.
Parliament is set to vote on the proposal presented by five MPs, led by financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Ahmed Al Amer.
They have also called for the setting up of a new centre that would provide the compulsory courses for couples.
Under the proposal, the centre would come under the Labour and Social Development Ministry and the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry. The government will determine the timings, topics and courses at the centre.
“The proposed move aims to reduce the number of divorce cases in the community and increase awareness amongst couples about rights and responsibilities,” said Mr Al Amer.
The proposal has been backed by the Labour and Social Development Ministry.
However, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry rejected it saying that relationships are built on ‘interchangeable variables’ over a long period and such sessions before marriage may not help cut divorce rates.
Currently, those wishing to get married have to undergo compulsory tests for hereditary diseases, besides health and social counselling, for issuance of an approval certificate.
Other proposals set for debate during the session are:
l A new ‘smart silk city’ to attract major investments from the world’s biggest economies, including China, with one of Bahrain’s islands dedicated for the purpose.
l Opening new document authentication offices for the Foreign Ministry at Bahrain’s entrances and exits.
l Lowering the cap of maximum cuts to up to 25pc of the monthly salary for employees borrowing from their future pensions.
l Providing local majlises with subsidised electricity and water.
l Completing medical tests for housemaids and those on similar work status at Bahrain International Airport.
l Increasing family monthly net income from BD600 to BD800, so that more people can get renovation and waterproofing services from the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
MPs are set to debate amendments to the 2010 Financial Integrity Law that would see unionists and labour union federation leaders declare finances like other public representatives.
They will also review amendments to the 2001 Companies Law that would allow foreigners to invest in the country, provided their minimum capital is BD350,000.
Parliament is also set to look into amendments to the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law that would give female workers paid leave if they suffer from miscarriage or give birth to stillborn, similar to the time-off given to women following delivery.
A parliament-proposed amendment to the 2012 Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Set-up Law is also planned for debate.
It could see chamber membership suspended for anyone elected as unionist or to a labour federation.
The financial and economic affairs committee has recommended rejecting the amendment.
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