Two proposals aimed at reinforcing family stability and accelerating access to housing services have been unanimously approved by Parliament.
The first proposal recommends extending the deadline for citizens to restore a cancelled housing application from two years to four years after losing one of the eligibility conditions.
The second calls for converting the site of the temporary Sanabis apartments into residential plots under the ‘land and loan’ programme.
The public utilities and environment affairs committee endorsed the first proposal, which was originally submitted by five MPs led by Hanan Fardan.
Under current rules, applicants whose housing requests are cancelled after losing an eligibility condition – other than Bahraini nationality – have only two years to restore their application.
MPs argued that this period is often insufficient for families facing job loss, financial hardship or unstable economic circumstances.
“Extending the period to four years is about fairness and compassion,” said Ms Fardan.
“Families can face sudden challenges beyond their control, and this proposal gives them breathing space without forcing them to start from zero.”
The committee said the move would promote social justice, reduce stress on families, and enhance stability, while also aligning Bahrain’s housing system with practices in other countries that offer more flexibility.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi told MPs that applications are not automatically cancelled due to job loss or divorce, and that some cases can be reclassified.
However, the committee concluded that extending the restoration period remains justified in the public interest.
In a separate but related move, MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to convert the land of the temporary Sanabis housing apartments, once removed, into residential plots to be distributed under the land and loan scheme.
The proposal was submitted by five MPs led by services committee chairman MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, and targets residents of the third constituency in the Capital Governorate, many of whom have waited years for housing services close to their families.
“This proposal offers a practical and faster housing solution by making use of government land within the district,” said Mr Al Saleh.
“It preserves the social fabric, keeps families close to one another and helps reduce long waiting lists.”
MPs noted that most of the Sanabis temporary apartments have already been vacated and are structurally dilapidated, making their removal inevitable.
Replanning the site as residential plots would be quicker and cheaper than developing new areas, as the land already has basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and sewage networks.
Both measures have now been referred to the Cabinet for review.
The following urgent proposals were also unanimously approved during the session.
1. Launching a unified electronic platform for people with disabilities and linking it between all concerned ministries and government agencies
2. Building a public park in Block 743 Sanad
3. Employing 24 Bahraini graduate family medics who have completed the Bahraini and Irish Board tests and training in primary healthcare
4. Turning the old East Riffa Centre into a tumour treatment centre
5. Building a multi-purpose hall in Isa Town
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