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Discussions are ongoing on new rules on funding and foreign links of civil societies that association heads say will enhance their institutional performance.
Akhbar Al Khaleej has obtained the key features of the preliminary draft of a procedural guide for civil society organisations, currently under discussion between the Social Development Ministry and representatives of the non-profit sector.
The initiative aims to standardise procedures, strengthen governance and transparency, and improve institutional performance and financial compliance.
The draft, which remains under review, consists of 18 chapters covering organisational, administrative and financial matters, including the establishment and registration of societies, fundraising and donations, foreign affiliations, financial management, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures, conflict of interest policies, investment, and procedures for mergers, dissolution and liquidation.
Among its most significant provisions is a requirement for societies to maintain three separate bank accounts: an operating account, a fundraising account and a dedicated account for projects funded by the society. The measure is designed to prevent the mixing of funds while strengthening transparency and financial oversight.
The draft also imposes tighter controls on foreign affiliations, requiring prior approval from the Social Development Ministry before organisations can join entities outside Bahrain or enter into external commitments. Applications not decided within 45 days would be considered rejected.
It also requires disclosure of conflicts of interest involving board members, employees or their relatives. Where relatives of board members are appointed to society-related positions, the reasons for their selection must be documented, and the related board member must be excluded from the recruitment process.
The draft outlines financial risk indicators related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, establishes procedures for handling unusual donations and overseas transfers, and requires societies to notify the ministry of donations received in cases specified by law.
The ministry emphasises that the guide is intended as a procedural reference rather than a replacement for existing laws and regulations, with consultations continuing before the final version is adopted.
Heads of several civil society organisations welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen the non-profit sector’s role in Bahrain’s development, improve institutional performance, reinforce governance, transparency and sustainability, enhance service quality, and help organisations adapt to administrative and technological developments while fulfilling their humanitarian and developmental missions more effectively.
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