A ONE-TIME extra payment of inflation and meat allowances for Bahraini families before Ramadan this year was unanimously approved by MPs yesterday following an urgent proposal.
The temporary financial relief will help families prepare for increased expenses during the holy month, said five MPs behind the proposal, led by Mohammed Hussain Janahi.
The initiative comes amid rising concerns over the cost of living.
Bahrainis earning less than BD1,000 per month are eligible for the monthly inflation allowance.
Those earning less than BD350 per month receive BD110, those earning between BD301 and BD700 receive BD77 and those with a pay packet of between BD701 and BD1,000 receive BD55.
The meat allowance given to all Bahrainis is BD5 per month for the breadwinner of the family, BD3.5 for each adult family member and BD2.5 for each child aged below 18.
However, Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam clarified that it should be a one-off payment for Ramadan this year and not as a matter of long-term policy.
“For now, we must focus on providing immediate relief to families during this period of heightened expenses.”
He reiterated that any long-term changes would need further discussions within the framework of the national budget.
“Parliament remains committed to supporting Bahraini families, but any permanent changes must be carefully planned within our financial framework,” said Mr Al Musallam.
Mr Janahi stressed the need for urgent action.
“Ramadan brings additional financial burdens on families, and this increase will help ease the strain,” he said.
“The cost of basic goods has risen, and many citizens are struggling to keep up,” he added.
“This measure ensures they can meet their needs during this important time.”
Some MPs believe that the allowances should be increased permanently rather than just for Ramadan.
Hanan Fardan raised concerns about the temporary nature of the proposal, arguing that inflation and rising costs affect families throughout the year, not just during Ramadan.
“Why should this be a one-time measure?” she asked.
“Families face financial challenges every month, not just during Ramadan.
“This should be a permanent adjustment, not a seasonal fix.”
Ms Fardan also pointed out that the issue should be addressed in the upcoming national state budget.
“If we are serious about supporting citizens, then this increase should be included in the 2025-2026 draft national state budget,” she said.
“It should not be left as an occasional gesture.”
Meanwhile, MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to return back the Sitra Fishermen’s Society headquarters to fishermen following its occupation by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).
The proposal, by five MPs led by services committee chairwoman and area MP Jalila Al Sayed, comes as Sitra fishermen have no place to go to.
“The place was taken for maintenance in 2022, but was never returned,” she added.
“It is now being occupied by marine inspectors from the SCE.”
Also unanimously approved was an urgent proposal to hire retired Bahraini doctors part-time or on temporary contracts in rare specialisations until suitable Bahraini doctors are hired permanently.
The proposal was by five MPs led by Dr Mariam Al Dhaen.
All urgent proposals were forwarded to the Cabinet for review.
An urgent proposal by 22 MPs led by Mr Al Musallam to issue a statement on the BDF’s 57th anniversary was unanimously approved by MPs.
They deputised Mr Al Musallam to issue it on their behalf.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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