A proposed amendment to link the validity of expatriates’ identity cards to the duration of their legal residency permits has been approved by the majority of MPs, sending the legislation to the Shura Council for review despite strong objections from the government and Parliament’s own foreign affairs, defence and national security committee.
The government-drafted bill, based on a parliamentary proposal, seeks to amend Article (3) of Law No 46 of 2006 on Identity Cards, stipulating that a foreigner’s ID card should remain valid only for a period not exceeding their residency permit in Bahrain.
However, following consultations with government bodies, the parliamentary committee had recommended rejecting the bill in principle, warning it was unnecessary, operationally disruptive and financially counterproductive.
Committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas argued during yesterday’s session that the amendment would not deliver any real benefit, as its objectives are already achieved through existing administrative systems.
“In practice, the identity card of any foreign worker is automatically deactivated immediately upon the expiry of their residency permit,” Mr Bukhammas said.
“All relevant authorities are notified, and the individual is prevented from accessing government services or conducting financial transactions.”
He explained that once residency expires, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority informs the Information and eGovernment Authority, which then notifies banks and other entities, with the Central Bank of Bahrain issuing circulars to ensure compliance across the financial sector.
Foreign workers who permanently leave Bahrain are granted a 30-day grace period to settle their affairs before their ID cards are automatically deactivated.
Mr Bukhammas also cautioned that linking ID validity to residency periods would introduce unnecessary complexity.
“Residency permits are not uniform,” he said. “Some are short-term, others last one or two years, while Golden Residency can exceed 10 years. Tying identity cards to these differing periods would create confusion and operational difficulties for government agencies.”
The committee further warned of potential financial repercussions, noting that the actual cost of issuing an ID card is around BD14, while applicants pay BD10 based on a five-year validity period.
“Reducing the validity period would alter this calculation and could place an additional burden on the state budget, rather than increasing revenues,” Mr Bukhammas said.
Despite these reservations, several MPs voiced support for the bill during the debate.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom backed the proposal, describing it as a step towards tightening regulation of expatriate labour.
“Linking the renewal of expatriate identity cards to the duration of their residency will enhance discipline in the labour market and help limit irregular employment,” Mr Al Salloom said.
However, he acknowledged that the proposal raises complex issues that require further study.
“Residency periods vary – six months, one year, two years, and even 10 years under Golden Residency,” he said.
“How will this apply in practice? Will the ID card for Golden Residency be valid for 10 years, while citizens’ ID cards are valid for five?”
Mr Al Salloom also raised concerns over costs, noting that many employers bear the expense of issuing ID cards for foreign workers.
“Before discussing higher fees, we must first confirm the real cost of issuance,” he said, warning that any increase could impose additional burdens on businesses.
Strong support also came from MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, who described the proposal as a necessary regulatory reform that would strengthen oversight and protect public finances.
“Granting a foreign worker an ID card valid for five years, while their residency lasts only two years, is an unjustified imbalance,” he said.
“Linking the card to actual residency is a logical and legislative correction.”
Mr Al Mahfoodh estimated that with around 850,000 expatriates in Bahrain, the change could generate up to BD8.5 million in additional revenue, without affecting citizens.
“This is a purely organisational measure,” he stressed.
“It ensures the card is not used after residency expires, whether for healthcare, remittances or other services, and obliges the expatriate to regularise their status or leave the country.”
He also criticised official justifications based on operational costs, questioning why the state absorbs a BD4 loss per card.
“This represents millions of dinars wasted annually,” he said, calling for accountability.
With MPs approving the bill, the proposed amendment now moves to the Shura Council, where it will undergo further scrutiny before any final decision is taken.
Parliament also unanimously approved massive amendments to the 1973 Advertising Law with changes made by the Shura Council and referred it to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.
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