Expatriates in Bahrain could be prohibited from obtaining driving licences unless their jobs require it, if MPs have their way.
In Parliament’s final session yesterday, members unanimously approved amendments to the 2014 Traffic Law presented by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by MP Ahmed Al Salloom.
The move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion on Bahrain’s roads.
The proposal further suggests that exemptions, if any, could be decided by the Interior Minister or any other authority designated for the purpose.
“The new rule will limit expats’ ability to obtain driving licences unless their jobs require it,” said Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman and bloc member Abdulla Al Romaihi.
“We don’t intend to affect expats’ freedom of movement; the aim is to reduce the number of vehicles on roads, mostly used by expats unnecessarily,” he added.
“This is not a human rights violation as we have not proposed a total ban. Several expats could be exempted in entirety through a ministerial decision.
The Interior Ministry warned the move contradicts an earlier ruling by the Constitutional Court on equality.
“The traffic congestion is due to the number of cars on the road and not the number of licences,” it said.
Also, the MPs unanimously approved amendments to the same law presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi to increase the duration of paying half the fine for any contravention from the current seven days to 30 days.
The Interior Ministry said it has no objections, but suggested MPs wait for a conclusive opinion from the Cabinet.
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