MPs have unanimously approved amendments to a law aimed at tightening controls on debt evasion.
The changes were proposed to Article 40 of Law No 22 of 2021 on Execution in Civil and Commercial Matters.
Under the new framework, execution judges will be able to impose renewable travel bans of up to three months without a fixed cap on renewals – effectively allowing restrictions to continue for as long as the risk of debt evasion remains.
The earlier ceiling of nine months has been replaced with a more flexible system extending up to three years in practice, subject to judicial review.
The amendments also make clear that court-imposed travel bans will not interfere with deportation orders or residency termination decisions issued by the relevant authorities, preserving executive powers while strengthening debt recovery mechanisms.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who led 22 MPs during the session to put a three-year cap rather than unlimited, said the reforms were designed to close loopholes that had been repeatedly exploited by absconding debtors.
“We are dealing with cases where some debtors attempt to leave the country before fulfilling their obligations, leaving creditors without recourse,” said Mr Al Salloom. “These amendments give execution judges the flexibility they need while ensuring the law cannot be misused to escape responsibility.”
He added that the updated framework ‘strikes a necessary balance between protecting financial rights and maintaining Bahrain’s legal integrity as an investment-friendly jurisdiction’.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda backed the reforms, describing them as a practical response to enforcement challenges.
“The proposed amendments are reasonable and reflect the need to strengthen execution procedures while preserving legal and constitutional principles,” said Mr Al Maawda. “We are keen for the legislation to be passed swiftly so it can be implemented without delay.”
New provisions also require execution judges to refer cases for criminal investigation where debtors deliberately conceal assets or obstruct enforcement.
Meanwhile, Parliament has suspended consideration of two proposed legislations at the government’s request, allowing additional time to brief MPs at the Services Committee. The bills include amendments to the law regulating associations, clubs and private institutions, as well as proposed changes to the Labour Law for the Private Sector.
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