EXPATRIATES could be forced to clear their pending bills and amounts due to the government before leaving the country – whether on holiday or for good.
The Capital Trustees Board yesterday unanimously gave the green light to a revised system after the original proposal recommended that the government collect just municipal payments.
The new proposal includes labour fees, utility bills, fines and other financial dues.
According to the Capital Trustees Authority (Capital Municipality), money owed by the expatriates reached BD4.1 million last year.
Board members have left it to the government to draw up an implementation strategy by September, leaving open the possibility of bringing nationals under the system at a later stage.
Currently, only candidates running in elections to Parliament, municipal councils, community societies, clubs, organisations and establishments are expected to prove they don’t owe any money to the government.
“We are not trying to restrict freedom of movement for expatriates, but they shouldn’t be leaving the country when they owe money to the government in the form of fees, fines or bills,” said board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan.
“It is true that those leaving are either those whose employment contracts have been terminated, or those returning to their home country for good,” she added.
“But many expatriates owe the government huge sums of money and they disappear and are never heard from again.
“We are looking to end that through a system that is efficient, reliable and can’t be evaded.”
However, Ms Al Qattan added that the strategy should not contravene any international agreements.
“We don’t want expatriates to land up at Bahrain International Airport only to be refused to exit because they owe some low amount.
“A due payment is a due payment, but again the government needs to come up a mechanism that is flexible and doesn’t leave hundreds of expats stranded at the airport.
“Besides, going forward the government could look into imposing the same conditions on citizens and GCC nationals.”
Board financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Mohammed Al Abbas said receivable amounts were in millions mainly due to the expats, with BD4.1m just being late municipal fees and rents.
“Expatriates could be made to sign an online agreement that they are aware that they wouldn’t be allowed to leave the country if they owe any money to the government,” he said.
“The same could be applicable for renewal of smart cards or residency.
“Payments could be made at special counters, or online.
“Travel agents or online providers could ask for a clearance certificate or electronic document before issuing tickets and the same with online booking with a clearance code being entered.
“Settlement or instalment deals could also be accepted from those planning to return to Bahrain, say after a holiday, in such cases the sponsor can stand as guarantee.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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