A legislation that would establish the applicant’s income at the time of applying for a housing unit as the sole criterion for eligibility has been submitted.
This proposal ensures that future income changes will not affect an applicant’s entitlement, ‘reinforcing fairness and stability’ in housing allocations.
The amendments presented by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, cover the 1976 Housing Law.
Mr Al Mahfoodh highlighted that many citizens face challenges when their applications are either cancelled or converted into financing schemes due to income increases at the time of receiving their housing allocation certificate. This, he argued, deprives them of their right to a housing unit and allegedly contradicts the Constitution, which guarantees the state’s responsibility to provide adequate housing for low-income citizens.
However, if they are no longer considered ‘low income’ the current authoritative understanding is that the individual should contribute more or even buy their own property, allowing the less well-off to receive the limited allocation of government housing, as outlined. Undeterred, Mr Al Mahfoodh believes it is time to right a wrong. “It is unfair that after waiting for years, citizens lose their eligibility for housing simply because of natural career progression,” he suggested.
“The Constitution guarantees adequate housing for all, and this proposal ensures that right is not arbitrarily taken away. Citizens’ professional lives span several decades, during which they naturally gain experience, receive promotions and see gradual salary increases. However, with the current system, these career advancements can lead to disqualification from housing benefits, despite the fact that waiting periods for housing units average around 20 years.”
He added that a citizen may apply for housing at a young age when earning a modest income, but by the time their turn comes two decades later, they might have progressed in their career. “This should not be a reason to deny them housing, especially when they have already waited for so long,” he added.
Mr Al Mahfoodh stressed that the proposal would encourage citizens to improve their living standards and seek career advancement without the fear of losing their right to housing. “Additionally, it would stabilise housing plans and accelerate implementation, as continuous changes in income currently disrupt waiting lists and distribution programmes, slowing down the entire housing process,” he said.
“Citizens should not have to choose between career growth and securing a home. This amendment will allow them to build better futures for their families without worrying about losing their eligibility.”
Mr Al Mahfoodh said that by fixing the income assessment at the time of application, the proposal aims to streamline housing procedures and reinforce citizens’ confidence that their right to housing remains protected, regardless of natural economic changes over time.
“This amendments reflect Bahrain’s commitment to fair and sustainable housing policies,” Mr Al Mahfoodh asserted.
“It aligns with the evolving economic landscape while ensuring that citizens are not unfairly penalised for their hard work and progress.”
The proposal will be now reviewed by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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