A modified version of a new timeshare law, which is expected to increase the number of overnight visitors to Bahrain, will be debated by the Shura Council on Sunday.
The chamber postponed the law last month over claims of unclear technicalities.
The loopholes have now been addressed by the Shura Council’s services committee following a meeting with government officials led by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (Btea) chief executive Sara Buhijji.
Parliament approved the 36-article government-drafted legislation in May this year, saying it was not knowledgeable about technicalities and pointing out that the Tourism Ministry and Btea could handle the issues better.
A timeshare is a form of property ownership where multiple individuals share the right to use a vacation property for a set period each year. Owners typically purchase a specific week or set of weeks during which they can use the property.
The properties could include vacation resorts, condominiums, apartments and camp grounds.
Under the legislation, in case of violations the Tourism Minister could automatically issue an administrative penalty of up to BD50,000 as fines and closure of up to three months, or termination of the licence permanently.
Those affected have the right to file a grievance.
However, for cases referred to the Public Prosecution, the punishment is between BD1,000 and BD50,000, jail time between 24 hours and three years, or both.
The cases referred to the Public Prosecution will involve selling, promoting and advertising unlicensed products, providing false information, cheating the system and preventing tourist inspectors from doing their job.
The Tourism Minister will issue a fees chart once the law is published in the Official Gazette.
Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said this law will prove a qualitative leap in the tourism sector.
“The strategic plan for 2022-2026 is to get 14.1 million visitors,” she added, pointing out that overnight stay had increased by 45 per cent compared with 2019 – and it could rise to 60pc if the law is approved.
Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Survey and Land Registration Bureau and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority have all backed the legislation.
The Bahrain Chamber backed the legislation, but demanded that bylaws define users’ rights.
Meanwhile, Shura members will vote to indefinitely withdraw a proposed legislation that expands the definition of protected public money and property.
The amendment to the 1976 Penal Code is intended to encompass a more comprehensive range of public assets, specifically including those associated with state companies, government investments and any funds or properties that fall under the direct or indirect supervision or monitoring of the government.
It also covers assets entrusted to the government temporarily or permanently.
The members behind the legislation want to readdress the matter.
Members will be also notified about a written response from Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan, who is also politically responsible for the Tender Board.
Bahrain is set to introduce several initiatives to support the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in government tenders and auctions, said the minister.
“We will enable suppliers and contractors, especially SMEs, to view all government tenders and auction announcements and decide whether they would like to participate in them,” the minister said, in a written response to a question by a member.
He added that 10pc of tenders issued will be allocated for SMEs, following a Cabinet decision.
The minister also highlighted the inclusion of productive families in the initiatives undertaken by the board.
Any family that possesses an SME classification certificate can take part in government tenders and auctions by including a valid copy of the document in its submitted bid.
Also set for notification is a response from Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda to a question on mosques in Capital Governorate constituency one.
The minister said there are 21 mosques in the constituency with 17 not needing any maintenance work with only mosque needing to be demolished and rebuilt.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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