A rethink has been urged by the government on a move to prohibit expatriates in Bahrain from obtaining driving licences unless their jobs required it.
In a letter referred by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on behalf of the Cabinet to Parliament, the government has pointed out that it valued the MPs’ goals behind the move.
However, the government added in a written explanation that the legislation violated the constitutional rights of freedom of movement.
“Bahrain has signed multiple conventions to protect people’s rights without discrimination,” it said.
“This legislation violates the freedom of movement, which are basic values and principles that Bahrain is committed to preserve.
“Also, in 2014, the Constitutional Court had ruled against the insertion of something on similar grounds, which is banning expatriates from obtaining licences and confining them to public transport.
“People, citizens and residents, have every right to choose the best method of transportation.”
The government also pointed out that the legislation was already implemented through by-laws associated with the 2014 Traffic Law, which the parliamentary amendment covered, stating rules and regulations for those applying to get driving licences.
In May this year, Parliament unanimously approved amendments to the 2014 Traffic Law presented by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on Bahrain’s roads.
The proposal suggested that exemptions, if any, could be decided by the Interior Minister or any other authority designated for the purpose.
MPs will today take a provisional vote to refer the legislation to the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for review with concerned authorities.
“The new rule will limit expats’ ability to obtain driving licences unless their jobs require it,” said committee chairman Hassan Bukhammas.
“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 has also earlier 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, in another letter, the government has asked for a rethink on another proposed amendment to the same law presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi to increase the duration of paying the fine for any contravention from the current seven days to 30 days.
MPs will take a provisional vote on both legislations during their session today.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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