A new state-of-the art deportation centre for men will open its doors by the year-end, revealed a top official.
Once the facility in Askar is operational, expatriates awaiting deportation will be transferred there, said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Under-Secretary Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
In an exclusive interview with the GDN, he said that the centre is in the final stages of completion.
Shaikh Hisham with senior Interior Ministry officials at the new deportation centre
“The new deportation centre for residency law violators is under construction in Askar and is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of this year,” said Shaikh Hisham.
“This facility is being built following a directive by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the support and follow-up of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
“This centre will be under the NPRA and will comply with international human rights standards and incorporate best practices.”
The facility will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 individuals and various services and assistance will be provided there.
Under the current system, expats who complete their jail sentences and are awaiting deportation are housed in a temporary detention centre in Hidd.
“Individuals staying at the centre must be foreign nationals sentenced to deportation for violating residency permit laws and regulations,” said Shaikh Hisham.
“After completion of their sentences, the expats will be moved to the new facility until their deportation process is completed.”
The official explained that they would set a maximum five-day waiting period for every occupant at the centre, depending on the nature of their case following which they will be deported back to their home countries.
“The staying periods at the centre may vary based on individual circumstances and the legal process.
“We have good co-operation from several embassies in Bahrain, but there are also missions located in other GCC countries which could take time in the deportation process or getting travel documents.
“Once the expat has completed his jail term and is awaiting deportation, they will be under the centre’s care during which the process begins to arrange flights, securing travel document and other formalities.
“The centre will offer comprehensive support, medical counselling services and provision of basic needs like food and shelter, and facilitation of communication with embassies.”
Shaikh Hisham said the occupants will be provided with telephone facility and allowed visitation rights from friends and families residing in Bahrain.
“The centre prioritises an open and collaborative environment, upholding the health, general safety and rights of residents throughout their stay,” he added.
In addition, he said consular teams can communicate with their nationals staying at the centre.
“The entire process will be streamlined once the centre is operational as there will be a system in place now to clear every application in a timely manner.
Shaikh Hisham explained that if the violator holds a sponsored visa and the individual has fled from the employer, then the fines have to be paid by the sponsor to clear the dues.
“I strongly believe that the new deportation centre will serve as a crucial safeguard for human rights and will be in compliance with international standards.
“It upholds human rights principles, follows legal procedures and collaborates with international bodies and diplomatic missions, ensuring justice and law enforcement in treating individuals according to international standards.”
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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