BAHRAIN could introduce university student visas for expats if MPs have their way.
An urgent proposal was presented yesterday by five MPs led by Bader Al Dossary.
It will be debated and voted on during Parliament’s weekly session today if scheduled by Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal.
The MPs said that expats wanting to study in Bahrain were finding it difficult to get the necessary visas.
“They are not tourists, expat employees or family members, they want to come here because we have good higher education establishments,” said Mr Al Dossary.
“Bahrain wants to expand its educational market, which has a huge potential to be amongst the elite, but current visa rules are not helping attract expat students.
“Even if expat students are accepted by local universities and colleges they face a hassle getting their visa approved since acceptance is not necessarily enrolment.
“That is why it is necessary to introduce student visas and for that the government represented by the Interior, Foreign and Education ministries besides other concerned official bodies should work to introduce the visas before the 2022 academic year which starts in September.”
The Interior Ministry website currently only offers business, investment, tourism or self-sponsorship visas under different criteria and rules.
GCC nationals are considered Bahrainis.
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