Parliament has unanimously approved three urgent proposals aimed at reforming Bahrain’s cost-of-living allowance system to broaden eligibility and ensure support reaches those most in need.
The proposals – now referred to the Cabinet for review – address concerns over how eligibility is calculated, who qualifies for assistance, and the exclusion of vulnerable self-employed citizens.
The first proposal recommends calculating eligibility based on net income rather than gross salary, after deducting mandatory government contributions such as housing services, housing loan instalments, social insurance payments, and the one per cent unemployment levy.
The motion was submitted by five MPs led by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, who argued that current criteria unfairly exclude many citizens whose take-home pay places them firmly in the low-income category.
“Relying on gross income ignores the reality faced by Bahraini families,” said Mr Al Mahfoodh.
“After compulsory government deductions, many citizens are left with very limited disposable income, yet they are denied support. This proposal restores fairness and ensures the allowance reflects real living conditions.”
The five MPs behind it said the reform is essential to protect family stability and uphold constitutional principles of social justice.
They claimed that the current mechanism places heavy financial pressure on households already struggling with rising costs.
The second urgent proposal seeks a broader review of eligibility criteria to achieve what MPs described as ‘living equity’, arguing that marital status alone should no longer determine access to support.
Submitted by five MPs led by MP Hanan Fardan, the proposal highlights gaps affecting unmarried low-income citizens, those married to non-Bahrainis, and divorced or widowed women without custody – all of whom may bear full living costs but receive no allowance.
“The cost of living does not decrease simply because a citizen is unmarried,” said Ms Fardan.
“Support policies must reflect actual need and real expenses, not social status. Revising the criteria is about justice, dignity and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The MPs behind it stressed that the move does not mean higher spending, but rather more efficient and equitable distribution of existing support, in line with practices adopted in other GCC states.
The third proposal by five MPs led by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee vice-chairman Zainab Abdulamir urges the government to reintroduce the cost-of-living allowance for low-income self-employed citizens, including driving instructors, fishermen and other workers with irregular wages.
MPs warned that suspending the allowance for these groups, despite rising prices, has caused severe financial strain.
They noted that income volatility makes it difficult for the self-employed to meet documentation requirements, despite many earning below BD1,000.
“Self-employed Bahrainis were excluded because their income could not be easily verified, not because they are well-off,” said Ms Abdulamir.
“This is unfair. These citizens are among the most exposed to economic shocks, and the allowance was designed precisely to protect them.”
She stressed that restoring the allowance aligns with national objectives of social balance and economic justice.
The parliamentary push comes as Bahrain continues to implement enhanced cost-of-living support, following directives from His Majesty King Hamad and orders by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to increase monthly allowances for low-income families.
Under the revised scheme, families now receive BD130 if the breadwinner earns under BD300, BD97 for incomes between BD301 and BD700, and BD75 for incomes between BD701 and BD1,000.
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