Two urgent legislations that formally remove any reference to compulsory prison labour from national legislation have been unanimously approved by the Shura Council, replacing it with structured rehabilitation and vocational training programmes within reform and rehabilitation centres.
The move aligns Bahrain’s legal texts with international labour standards following observations by the International Labour Organisation and its committee of experts, which noted that some existing provisions could be interpreted as allowing mandatory work alongside imprisonment.
The amendments cover the Penal Code of Bahrain and the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law.
Presenting the reports of the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, rapporteur Ali Al Aradi said Bahrain had developed ‘a distinguished and pioneering experience in modern penal policy based on restorative justice, alternative sanctions, and rehabilitation’.
Mr Al Aradi
“Reform and rehabilitation centres today are a cornerstone of Bahrain’s human rights and security framework,” he said. “They operate through organised educational and training programmes, healthcare and social support, with the goal of preparing inmates psychologically and professionally to reintegrate into society.”
Under the amendments, Article 18 of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law replaces the term ‘work’ with ‘rehabilitation and training’, ‘types of work’ with ‘rehabilitation and training programmes’, and ‘wage’ with ‘reward’.
Similarly, Article 55 of the Penal Code is amended to require inmates to participate in rehabilitation and training programmes inside reform centres, instead of performing assigned work in prison.
Shura second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel described the change from the term ‘prison’ to ‘reform and rehabilitation centre’ as ‘an important legislative correction’.
“This reflects a shift in how we view the inmate – as a person capable of reform, not someone beyond hope,” she said.
“Replacing work with training and rehabilitation is a carefully considered step that responds to international observations and protects the legal text from any interpretation related to compulsory labour. Vocational training and education inside reform centres are among the most effective tools in reducing reoffending.”
She added that rehabilitation was also economically sound.
“The cost of rehabilitating an inmate is far less than the cost of repeated crime, which carries security, judicial and social expenses. Rehabilitation programmes are a preventive investment that produces long-term returns for both the individual and society.”
Shura human rights committee vice-chairman Ali Al Shehabi said the amendments were ‘a legislative translation of the reform project launched by His Majesty King Hamad, which places human dignity at the heart of national penal policy’.
Dr Al Dallal
Member Dr Ibtisam Al Dallal said the draft law reflected Bahrain’s commitment to international standards and asked the government about mechanisms to ensure continuous legislative updates in line with future global developments.
Shura’s youth affairs committee vice-chairman Hisham Al Qassab pointed to Bahrain’s experience with alternative sanctions and open prisons as evidence of an advanced correctional model that had proven effective in reducing recidivism and enhancing social stability.
If ratified by His Majesty King Hamad and published in the Official Gazette, the amendments will come into force the following day.
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