Three urgent proposals calling for swift relief measures targeting frontline personnel, Bahraini business owners and families whose home-based livelihoods were disrupted were unanimously approved by MPs yesterday.
The first proposal seeks the waiver of housing loans for frontline personnel from the Bahrain Defence Force, the Interior Ministry and the National Guard.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the proposal reflects a national obligation to recognise the sacrifices of those safeguarding the country.
“These men and women stand on the front lines to protect the nation’s security and stability. Reducing their housing burdens is a practical expression of national appreciation that strengthens their family stability and morale, which in turn supports their performance under pressure,” he said.
A second urgent proposal, led by MP Jalila Al Sayed with four MPs, calls for the temporary suspension of electricity, water, municipal and work permit fees for Bahraini business owners for six months.
The explanatory memorandum notes that small and medium enterprises and homegrown businesses have been hit by rising operating costs and disrupted market activity, while fixed utility and government fees continue to accumulate.
“Bahraini businesses rely on daily continuity and regular cash flow. These exceptional conditions have placed increasing pressure on them,” said Ms Al Sayed. “Suspending these fees temporarily will help institutions reorganise, continue operating and protect associated jobs without creating long-term financial strain.”
The third proposal, also spearheaded by Ms Al Sayed and supporting MPs, urges the government to compensate owners of licensed home-based businesses whose residences were damaged, resulting in partial or total loss of income.
MPs said a number of affected families contacted them after damage to homes used as licensed business premises left them unable to work or earn.
“Although the number of cases is limited, the humanitarian and economic impact is significant,” Ms Al Sayed said. “These families depend on daily income. Quick compensation will allow them to repair the damage and restore their livelihoods, reinforcing social stability and national solidarity.”
The proposals stress that targeted, temporary intervention can prevent wider economic disruption, protect vulnerable income sources and uphold the principle of state support for citizens during difficult times.
All three proposals were approved without objection and formally referred to the Cabinet for review and response.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, sent an urgent legislation to Parliament to cover the wages of private sector employees due to the regional circumstances for April from the Unemployment Fund. It has been urgently forwarded through a unanimous vote to the services committee for review not exceeding 48 hours with plans to discuss and vote on it during next week’s session.
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