CHARITY societies could be barred from sending donations abroad under a Parliament-proposed legislation set for a vote during Tuesday’s weekly session.
The government had earlier called for a rethink into the move terming it as ‘disastrous’.
The proposed amendments to the 2013 Money Collection for Public Purposes Organisational Law have been presented jointly by public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk and Bahrainisation Committee chairman Ebrahim Al Nefaei.
The current law bans sending donations abroad unless authorisation is granted by the concerned minister. However, the new amendment imposes a blanket ban on sending donations abroad, without any exceptions or ministerial assessment taken into consideration.
Both MPs in their written explanation have stated that there were many poor individuals and families in Bahrain who should be prioritised for financial support.
Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan requested the services committee to recommend rejecting the move saying that charities in Bahrain only send surpluses abroad following strict scrutiny by the ministry.
He added that local participation in international emergency humanitarian campaigns, whether in cash or materials, sends a positive message about the country worldwise.
“The move to bar donations abroad is disastrous since it prevents societies from doing good to others regardless of their nationalities, religions, beliefs, ethnicities or backgrounds,” Mr Humaidan explained.
“Societies only send surpluses and we follow up to ensure the amount reaches the rightful hands,” said Mr Humaidan.
“There are 657 social establishments in the country authorised to collect donations and until November last year, there have not been a single violation as per records provided by the Interior Ministry.
“This means the new restrictions are unnecessary and if we spot any violation, whether locally or abroad, legal action will be taken immediately.”
Mr Humaidan explained that tough rules were already in place to tackle illegal donations and terror funding.
“Collecting donations for terrorist activities is punishable with between 10 years and life in jail with fines ranging from BD100,000 to BD500,000,” warned the minister.
“People who collect donations without permission from the ministry are punished with up to a year in jail or fined up to BD1,000, or both,” he added.
“Violating rules is met with six months in jail or fines of up to BD500, or both.”
Meanwhile, MPs are set to debate 30 written government replies on parliamentary proposals presented over the past six months.
They include: opening a vehicle inspection centre in Hamad Town; turning the old East Riffa Health Centre into a maternity hospital; introducing automated e-boarding services on King Fahad Causeway; establishing an electronic rumours combat unit; and intensifying monitoring on businesses to ensure proper implementation of VAT rules.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain also said that a rumours combat unit was being set up within the National Communications Centre.
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