MPs have unanimously approved two urgent family-focused proposals aimed at easing household pressures during exceptional circumstances in line with the Iranian attacks, with both motions now referred to the Cabinet for review.
The proposals were endorsed during the session chaired by Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam after being listed under ‘urgent matters’.
The first calls on authorities to enable working women with primary school-age children to temporarily work from home, without disrupting workflow in either the public or private sectors.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the proposal reflects the reality many families are facing.
“Children at primary school age require constant supervision and care, and this measure helps mothers balance their professional responsibilities with their essential family role during this period,” he said.
“This is a temporary, precautionary step that supports family stability while maintaining productivity.”
The proposal recommends a regulated remote-work mechanism set by relevant authorities to ensure service continuity while addressing family needs.
The second proposal addresses growing concerns from parents over private nursery and kindergarten fees during the suspension of in-person classes and the shift to distance learning.
MP Muneer Ibrahim Suroor said the issue has led to rising complaints due to the mismatch between fees paid and the level of service provided.
“Early childhood education relies heavily on direct interaction, sensory learning and social development – elements that cannot be fully delivered through distance learning,” he said.
“There must be fairness for families, while also safeguarding the sustainability of these institutions and protecting their staff.”
The proposal suggests either deferring fees paid during the suspension to the next academic term, crediting them toward future in-person services, or introducing a clear compensation mechanism proportionate to the level of service delivered remotely.
It also calls for support programmes to protect teaching and administrative staff from financial impact.
MPs stressed that both proposals strike a balance between family welfare, educational fairness and operational continuity, particularly during challenging periods.
With unanimous parliamentary backing, the two motions now await government consideration.
Mr Al Musallam asked MPs during the session to give Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom a standing ovation after being elected to the board of the Bahrain Chamber.
&uuid=(email))