Parliament has approved a proposal that would allow mothers or grandparents to complete official transactions for minor children while family lawsuits or disputes remain pending before the courts.
The proposal, submitted by MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh, has been referred to the Cabinet for review.
Under the plan, the Bahraini or foreign wife, or the grandparents, would be authorised to carry out essential procedures on behalf of minors in government bodies. These include issuance of passports, birth certificates, residency documents, and completion of transactions related to education, healthcare and other basic rights.
MPs also unanimously approved the following urgent proposals and referred them to the Cabinet for review:
- A proposal urging the government to study the establishment of a national emergency financial fund to protect the economy during crises and disasters. It was submitted by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi. Under the proposal, the government would conduct financial and economic feasibility studies for creating the fund, which would be overseen by the Finance and National Economy Ministry. The aim is to provide a structured and sustainable financial buffer during emergencies, rather than relying on ad hoc measures.
- A proposal to develop public libraries and establish a national knowledge bank to strengthen access to scientific research for students and academics across the kingdom. It was submitted by MP Dr Muneer Suroor. The plan focuses on modernising public libraries, expanding their reach across all governorates and creating a centralised knowledge bank to give researchers and students quicker access to studies, theses and academic references.
- A proposal to operate the North Muharraq Health Centre round the clock.
The initiative was submitted by five MPs led by Hamad Al Doy. Currently, the centre operates from 7am to 7pm, with patients directed to other 24-hour facilities overnight. MPs argue this arrangement is no longer sufficient given population growth and increasing reliance on primary healthcare.
- A proposal calling for the qualification, training and scholarship of government employees working in financial oversight.
It was submitted by five MPs led by Jalila Al Sayed. The proposal urges the government to send relevant employees on specialised training and study programmes in accounting, bookkeeping and auditing, enabling them to obtain internationally recognised professional certifications and sharpen oversight capabilities.
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