Nine movies were banned in Bahrain and 316 licensed for screening in theatres over the past year, it has been revealed.
A total of 150 scenes were deleted for flouting rules and regulations since December 2022.
Information Affairs Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi revealed the details in writing while responding to a question by MP Jameel Hassan on monitoring of movies screened in theatres across the country.
“The 2002 Publications Law gives us authorisation to deal with artistic material in books, magazines, audios or videos,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“The ministry co-ordinates with relevant government bodies over acceptable and unacceptable contents, before we proceed with the actual monitoring of material,” he added.
“We have a team of 30 inspectors under a specialised directorate reviewing movies to ensure they are in line with our regulations.
“This involves editing and a total of 150 scenes and shots were deleted and nine movies were banned, while 316 were authorised for screening in cinemas over the past year.”
He added that the ministry co-ordinates with others concerned in the GCC to share opinions and information over movies that are set for screening.
“The ministry takes a decision on movies presented to it at least 15 days before the scheduled screening,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“If a distributor or cinema company receives no reply after submission, it means the movie is automatically rejected, and the decision can be contested at the High Civil Court.
“It is our job to ensure screened movies are up to the highest standards and provide the best cinematic content.”
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan, who is Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chairman, said new rules were being created for labour accommodations.
He said under a newly proposed article to be added to the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law, employers who provide accommodations for their staff would be obliged to declare their whereabouts and allow inspections to ensure standards are followed.
“The standards will be drawn up in co-ordination with the Bahrain Chamber and the two trade unions,” he said, in response to a question by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Dhaen.
Mr Humaidan further explained that specific locations would soon be determined for labour camps outside residential areas.
Also responding to another question by MP Bassema Mubarak on payments due to the LMRA, Mr Humaidan said more than 98pc of fees have been paid by employers since July 2008 and until September 2023.
“For the remaining less than 2pc, all government dealings have been blocked until payments are made,” he added.
The minister will also respond verbally to a question by MP Bader Al Tamimi on work permits granted to expats in firms under Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company during the weekly session on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in reply to a question by Strategic Thinking Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom on online municipal services, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said 20 such services have been recently made available while more were on the way.
The minister, who is politically responsible for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, said rules and regulations were in place for gated community projects with new ones under review.
“The measures under legal review before being issued in their final version would deal with specified areas, technical requirements, and nature of units in gated community projects,” Mr Al Mubarak added.
Meanwhile, Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi revealed that there were 4,095 applications on waiting lists in Capital Governorate’s constituency eight and nine and the ministry was working to clear them.
“We are also working on 1,537 residential apartments in Salman Town,” she added.
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