A cap could be introduced on the cost of bringing domestic workers to the country.
The Shura Council will vote on amendments to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law that would oblige the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), following approval by the concerned authorities, to determine the maximum cost of bringing domestic workers, according to their nationalities, in detailed charts.
Under the legislation proposed by five Shura Council members, led by Abdulla Al Nuaimi, manpower agencies across the country would be forced to adhere to the stipulated rate.
The agencies can willingly offer discounts, however, they will be prohibited from taking commission or seeking other rewards from potential sponsors/employers exceeding the pre-determined rate.
The Shura Council’s legislative and legal affairs committee has found the proposed legislation constitutional and in line with rules and regulations.
“This legislation aims to limit the continuous increase in the cost of bringing domestic workers, with no rules currently governing the highest payment to be made per nationality,” said Mr Al Nuaimi.
“People need such workers, mainly housemaids, and manpower agencies are exploiting this through unrealistic profiteering,” he added.
The services committee has recommended the legislation be given the go-ahead.
Shura members will also debate and vote on amendments to the 1989 Social, Cultural and Sports and Youth Clubs, Organisations and Societies Law.
Under the amendments presented by five members led by sports and youth committee chairman Redha Monfardi, all registered members will be allowed to attend the general assembly, debate matters and cast their votes without a certain period being completed for them to exercise those rights.
All youth and sports entities would also be obliged to present a closing financial statement at the end of each year to the General Sports Authority. However, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Bahrain Paralympic Committee and specific federations and associations will be exempted.
Youth and sports entities would also have to prepare medical records for all athletes, while having them insured against injuries or illnesses.
“Waiving the timeframe clause will enable all members to exercise their rights without restrictions – whether to attend general assemblies, cast votes or present opinions on matters of concern,” said Mr Monfardi.
“The closing statements enable the responsible sports authority to take action against any misuse of finances or resources, while knowing where each entity stands,” he added.
“Medical records and insurance will ensure injuries are taken care of, while illnesses are treated before they spread, as the majority of games are contact sports.”
Meanwhile, Shura Council will also vote on referring amendments to the 2015 Infrastructure Levy to the concerned committee for review.
It would see the levy calculated according to specific areas, size of the property, the purpose of use, and the width of surrounding routes, and its closeness to public services, government departments and markets.
Earlier, a flat rate of BD12 was sought per square metre for urbanisation – BD5.5 for road and sewage services and BD6.5 for electricity and water services.
The levy was, however, suspended in 2022 by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, following a meeting with the Bahrain Chamber.
Residential properties owned by Bahrainis were already exempted from the levy by law.
The proposed amendments have been presented by five Shura Council members led by public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Dr Mohammed Hassan, a former director-general at multiple municipalities.
“The amendments aim to introduce fair criteria and standards on how the levy is calculated,” said Dr Hassan, adding that fee for each property should be determined based on its size and use, among other factors. Members will be also notified about two reports on foreign participations they took part last year.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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