SOCIAL clubs, parents’ care homes and rehabilitation and care centres for the disabled could be exempted from paying labour market fees under a new Parliament proposal to be debated on Tuesday.
The amendment to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law has been proposed by five MPs, led by Dr Abdulla Al Thawadi.
They believe it would reduce the expenditure of such establishments, which are facing a credit crunch owing to curbs imposed following the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Labour and Social Development Ministry told MPs in writing that such facilities were only paying a meagre amount as most of their employees are Bahrainis.
“There are 330 Bahrainis and 168 expats working in those facilities registered with us,” the ministry said.
“The places that we directly run have only one expat and that too in a rare specialisation.”
The National Institute for the Disabled has backed the move to drop the fees.
MPs have also submitted a proposal seeking to exempt widows, orphans and other beneficiaries listed under the Royal Humanitarian Foundation from paying government fees.
The Labour and Social Development Ministry replied that they were already listed under its books for social welfare.
The Housing Ministry also added, in writing, that housing instalments are waived for families if the breadwinner dies.
Meanwhile, civil servants studying on their own expense at local universities and abroad could get financial aid from their workplace.
The Civil Service Bureau told MPs that support was being granted for education that is work-related.
MPs are also demanding that a new centre for nationality, passports and residency services be set up in the Southern Governorate.
“There are two branches – one in Isa Town and the other in Muharraq – providing services besides the main headquarters in Hoora,” the Interior Ministry replied.
Parliament will also debate a proposal to have artificial intelligence (AI) included as a subject in Bahrain’s schools.
The Education Ministry said it was set to introduce new books on digital financing, robotics, creative projects and AI.
MPs will debate a proposal urging the Housing Ministry to grant more time for citizens to move into their new government homes.
They claim that several families were unable to move in, within the stipulated six months’ time, as they cannot afford to buy enough furniture in the short span.
“Some may need to get permissions for expansions to accommodate an increase in family members,” MPs said.
“The Housing Ministry should extend the deadline to two years before deciding to cancel the contract.”
However, the ministry raised objections saying that leaving a house abandoned for 24 months could have dangerous consequences.
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