A Royal Decree aimed at modernising Bahrain’s legislative framework for persons with disabilities is set to be debated in the Shura Council on Sunday.
It follows a detailed review by the services committee, which has recommended approval.
The decree-law, No (34) of 2025, amends selected provisions of Law No (74) of 2006 on the care, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. According to the committee, the changes reflect a shift towards more contemporary rights-based concepts, improved institutional flexibility and updated terminology aligned with national policies.
Committee vice-chairman Talal Al Mannai said the amendments are ‘organisational and conceptual in nature, without affecting any of the rights, benefits or protections already granted to persons with disabilities’.
The decree introduces changes to the structure and naming of the committee concerned with disability affairs, replacing the term ‘Supreme Committee’ with a more flexible definition that allows its name, formation and term to be set by a decision of the Prime Minister.
The panel noted that this flexibility has already been reflected in practice through a 2025 decision renaming the body as the National Committee for the Care of Persons of Determination, highlighting the immediate impact of the amendments.
The decree also updates terminology to ensure consistency with current administrative structures, including replacing the word ‘Diwan’ with ‘Commission’ to reflect the renaming of the Civil Service Commission under previous legislation.
The committee highlighted the symbolic importance of adopting language that reflects empowerment, inclusion and participation rather than a narrow focus on care.
“Language matters,” Mr Al Mannai said. “Updating legal terminology helps reinforce a positive societal view of persons with determination as active contributors to national development.”
The Shura Council’s legislative and legal affairs committee confirmed that the decree complies fully with constitutional and legal requirements. It was issued during parliamentary recess in line with Article 38 of the Constitution and was presented to both chambers within the prescribed timeframe.
Crucially, the services committee stressed that the amendments do not alter substantive provisions related to rehabilitation, employment quotas or benefits for persons with disabilities. It unanimously recommended approval of the decree-law.
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