New reform in Bahrain: Expats must pay dues before leaving the country

Manama: Expatriates working in Bahrain will not be allowed to leave the country without paying their dues to the government. The Capital Board of Trustees yesterday unanimously approved the new reform, which will apply to both those who go home after work and those who go home for vacation. The initial recommendation was that municipal payments must be cleared before leaving the country, but with the new reform, this will apply to all labor fees, utility bills, fines and other financial obligations.

It is estimated that by the end of last year, the amount owed to the government in various items from the expatriates in Bahrain has exceeded 41 lakh dinars. It is in this situation that rules are brought in that do not allow expatriates to leave the country without paying their dues. There is also a plan to gradually bring natives under such conditions. At present, the natives have to fulfill their obligations to the government only to compete in the elections including the parliamentary elections.

The authorities said that they do not intend to restrict the freedom of movement of the expatriates, but they should not leave the country while owing money in the form of fees, fines and bill amounts to the government. Many expatriates return home with huge arrears and are never heard from again. To put an end to this, it is intended to bring in an effective, efficient and loophole-free system. But the authorities point out that this does not contradict any kind of international agreements.

The authorities have also informed that they do not intend to create a situation where expatriates are stuck at the airport, unable to leave the country due to the arrears of small amounts. Government sources have informed that a similar system will be implemented for natives and citizens of GCC countries. The expatriates will have to sign an online agreement stating that they cannot leave the country in arrears. Similar provisions will also be introduced for renewal of smart cards and residence documents. The system will be arranged to pay the due amount through special counters or online. Along with this, it has also been informed that the travel ban will not apply to expatriates returning home if they undertake their sponsor obligations.

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Last Updated Jun 8, 2023, 6:50 PM IST