A group of MPs is seeking to raise the maximum income limit for nationals eligible for housing services to BD2,500.
The proposal has been submitted by five legislators led by services committee vice-chairman Abdulwahid Qarata, who has stressed the importance of easing the financial burden on Bahraini families and improve their access to suitable housing.
Currently, beneficiaries must have a monthly income not exceeding BD1,200 to qualify for housing programmes, according to the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry.
The Public utilities and environment affairs committee has recommended approval, citing strong public interest considerations.
“This proposal is about fairness and social justice,” Mr Qarata said. “Raising the income ceiling allows a larger group of citizens to access housing support, reduces the need for excessive loans, and helps families cope with rising living costs,” he added.
Mr Qarata
Housing Minister Amna Al Romaihi said income limits were periodically reviewed to match social and economic conditions, and that the calculation includes both basic salaries and allowances above BD100.
However, MPs argue that inflation and rising living costs have made the existing ceiling insufficient for many families.
“The current limits leave many middle-income families unable to benefit from housing programmes despite genuine need,” Mr Qarata added. “By raising the ceiling to BD2,500, we provide more citizens with access to quality housing and reduce the long waiting lists that currently frustrate applicants.”
Meanwhile, MPs are set to vote on whether to insist on their approval of a draft law exempting first-time Bahraini homebuyers from property registration and transfer fees – despite its rejection by the Shura Council.
The proposed amendment targets an article of the Real Estate Registration Law of 2013 and would exempt citizens purchasing a residential property for the first time from several registration and transfer fees currently imposed under the law.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment committee has recommended that MPs stand by its earlier decision, arguing that the legislation is socially necessary and economically justified.
Committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the draft law aims to ease the financial burden on citizens, particularly those with limited incomes.
Mr Al Bulooshi
“High registration and transfer fees place an additional strain on Bahraini families trying to secure their first home,” he said. “This proposal is about supporting citizens’ right to housing and encouraging real estate activity, not undermining state revenues.”
The Shura Council had rejected the draft law, citing concerns over its impact on public finances and the fiscal balance programme. It warned that the exemption could reduce state revenues, widen the budget deficit and increase public debt.
However, MPs argue that the social benefits outweigh the concerns, noting that the real estate market risks stagnation if purchasing costs remain high.
“The real estate sector is a vital economic driver,” said Mr Al Bulooshi. “Stimulating transactions helps protect property values and supports broader economic growth.”
The government and the Survey and Land Registration Bureau opposed the amendment, stating that most low-income citizens already benefit from exemptions when purchasing homes through government housing loans.
The government also warned that the law could be exploited through fictitious sales or gifts to bypass fees and that it lacks clear mechanisms to address disputes when buyers and sellers do not meet the same eligibility conditions.
If approved twice and rejected twice by any chamber, the legislation will be scheduled for a joint session, which has never happened since 2002 – meaning it would be shelved.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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