Families will not lose their housing rights when the primary applicant passes away, Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said.
She outlined clear procedures to safeguard the entitlements of spouses and children in such cases.
Responding in writing to a parliamentary question submitted by Shura Council member Nancy Khadoury, Ms Al Romaihi detailed how applications are transferred, how families are protected from financial burdens, and how children – both minors and adults – continue to benefit from government housing services under Resolution No 909 of 2015.
The minister explained that Article (83) of Resolution 909 specifically regulates what happens when the original applicant dies.
“The ministry is fully committed to ensuring that no eligible family is left without protection simply because the head of the family passed away,” she said.
“In such cases, we transfer the existing housing application to an eligible family member who is already included in the application and meets the criteria laid out in Article (Five).”
These criteria cover families classified under the first, second, third, and fourth categories of housing eligibility.
Ms Al Romaihi emphasised that the mechanism ensures continuity without forcing families to reapply or endure delays.
Addressing concerns about the fate of widows, minors and adult children, the minister clarified that the ‘Housing System’ includes strong safeguards for them.
If the deceased had already received housing services, but had not yet completed ownership procedures, the ministry follows two pathways:
1. Families with a spouse and one or two minor children: In these cases, all outstanding housing-related payments owed by the deceased are waived.
“We exempt these families from any remaining dues and directly register the property in their names,” Ms Al Romaihi confirmed. “This ensures stability for the spouse and children at a time when they need it the most.”
This exemption is granted under Article (77) of the Housing System.
2. Families with a spouse and adult children: The ministry reallocates the housing service in the name of one of the family members, provided they themselves form an eligible family under the housing regulations.
“The aim is to preserve the family’s right to the home while ensuring the new beneficiary meets the legal criteria,” she said, citing Article (85).
The minister highlighted that these policies are aligned with the objectives of the Government Programme 2023-2026, which prioritises family stability and social protection.
“Our role is not only to build homes, but to safeguard families,” Ms Al Romaihi said.
“We work to ensure that no Bahraini family loses its housing rights due to circumstances beyond their control.”
She also expressed appreciation to Ms Khadoury for her continued oversight.
“We value the Shura Council’s partnership and the member’s keen interest in housing matters,” the minister said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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