PARLIAMENT is gearing up for a decisive vote on Tuesday as legislators prepare to reaffirm their support for a controversial amendment to Bahrain’s 1965 Foreigners (Immigration and Residence) Law – which would prohibit converting any entry visa into a work permit under any circumstance.
The proposed law, previously approved by MPs earlier this year, was rejected in principle by the Shura Council, prompting its return to Parliament for an insistence vote.
If MPs and the Shura Council choose to insist on their earlier decision, the bill will be forwarded to a joint National Assembly session for final resolution.
MPs say the amendment aims to ensure more job opportunities for citizens and reduce ‘rising unemployment rate’ among nationals.
The government has, however, called for a rethink arguing that existing laws already regulate the matter adequately.
“The 1965 Immigration Law (Article 18) already gives authorities wide discretion over issuing or renewing residency permits, including those for work,” the government said.
“Ministerial Decision No 25 of 1976 prohibits issuing a visit visa to anyone suspected of intending to work without a No-Objection Certificate.
“A 2024 amendment to immigration fees reinforced restrictions on converting visit visas without a sponsor, allowing conversion only within the same sponsor and for a BD250 fee.”
The government said the proposed law conflicts with Article 18 of the existing law, which permits granting a work residence permit based on proper labour authorisation.
“Residency decisions fall under the state’s sovereign discretionary powers and should not be rigidly restricted by new legislation,” it added.
Despite the Shura Council’s rejection, the parliamentary committee reviewing the matter recommended – by majority – to insist on Parliament’s original approval of the draft law.
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas defended the legislation, saying it is necessary to protect the labour market and national security considerations linked to migration management.
“This law is not aimed at tightening restrictions arbitrarily, it is aimed at restoring balance in the labour market and ensuring that visa pathways are not misused,” he said.
He claimed that the bill addresses a long-standing loophole.
“We continue to see cases where individuals enter the country on non-work visas and later seek employment. This strains regulatory bodies and creates unfair competition for Bahraini jobseekers,” Mr Bukhammas said.
He also stressed that Parliament respects the Shura Council’s position but sees the matter differently.
“Our colleagues in the Shura Council expressed legitimate concerns, but from our perspective, the public interest requires firm and unambiguous rules. Parliament will vote based on what best serves national priorities,” he said.
MPs will cast their votes during Tuesday’s session, deciding whether to uphold their earlier stance and push the bill towards a joint legislative session.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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