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Parliament is set to debate a landmark proposal that aims to make social insurance coverage compulsory for self-employed individuals and those working in liberal professions.
The proposed legislation, submitted by five MPs led by Mariam Al Sayegh, seeks to amend Article (2) of the Social Insurance Law, expanding its scope beyond traditional employees to include freelancers and independent workers.
Under current legislation, compulsory social insurance applies to workers employed under contracts in the private, co-operative and joint sectors, as well as employees of public institutions not covered by special laws.
The amendment would extend this mandatory coverage to self-employed individuals and liberal professionals, regardless of contract form, duration or income type.
Liberal professions are jobs where trained experts, like doctors, lawyers, architects and engineers work independently and provide specialised services directly to clients.
If approved, the amendment would require self-employed persons and liberal professionals – as determined by a decision of the competent minister and subject to approval by the Social Insurance Organisation’s board – to be brought under the national social insurance umbrella.
Ms Al Sayegh described the move as a ‘major step towards social justice and economic protection’.
“Thousands of Bahrainis today depend on freelance and self-employment income, yet they remain outside the safety net that protects other workers,” she said.
“This amendment ensures that no citizen is left exposed to old age, illness, disability or sudden loss of income simply because they chose a non-traditional career path.”
She added that the proposal responds to structural changes in the labour market.
“The nature of work is changing. Digital platforms, small enterprises and independent services are growing rapidly. Our laws must evolve to reflect this reality and guarantee dignity and stability for everyone,” Ms Al Sayegh said.
“Social insurance should not be a privilege limited to salaried employees. It is a right for every citizen who contributes to the national economy, regardless of how they earn their living.”
The services committee, which examined the proposal over five meetings, concluded that the bill is constitutionally sound and unanimously recommended its approval.
Committee chairman MP Mamdooh Al Saleh said the proposal is firmly grounded in constitutional principles.
“The Constitution clearly states that the State must guarantee social security and social insurance for citizens in cases such as old age, illness, inability to work and unemployment,” he said.
“This law translates that constitutional obligation into practical protection for an important and growing segment of society.”
He noted that freelancers and self-employed Bahrainis are particularly vulnerable to economic shocks.
“Market fluctuations, business closures or unexpected circumstances can wipe out their income overnight,” Mr Al Saleh said.
“Providing them with access to social insurance offers a vital layer of protection and helps strengthen their financial and psychological stability.”
According to the committee’s report, the proposed amendment also aims to create an additional income source for self-employed individuals during periods of hardship, while easing long-term pressure on government welfare programmes by shifting support towards a contributory insurance model.
The bill consists of two articles. The first replaces the opening paragraph of Article (2) of the Social Insurance Law, while the second assigns implementation to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, with the law to take effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette.
Legislators backing the proposal believe it will modernise Bahrain’s social protection framework and bring it in line with international best practice.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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