Decades-old Hajj death finally recognised by Bahraini courts

TDT | Manama

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Nearly four decades after a man’s death in Saudi Arabia, Bahraini courts have finally ordered the issuance of a death certificate, bringing an end to years of bureaucratic turmoil for his family.

The man passed away during Hajj in 1985, but his relatives endured a seemingly endless battle with administrative delays, procedural hurdles, and a lack of clear documentation.

His children had to make countless trips between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in a bid to get the necessary documentation, only to face endless administrative obstacles.

What should have been a simple process turned into a prolonged and exhausting ordeal, leaving the family stuck in limbo.

Certificate

Now, at last, a Bahraini civil court has stepped in, instructing the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) to issue the certificate.

This decision follows a review by the Committee of Names and Titles, which examined witness statements and found no reason to block the certificate’s release.

The family’s lawyer, Issa Jassim, pursued legal action with the support of the Ministry of Interior, pushing the Directorate of Passports, Nationality, and Residence, along with the Information and eGovernment Authority, to issue the document. The court sided with the committee’s findings and ordered the authorities to act without delay.

Legal matters

The decision opens the door for the family to settle a host of legal matters, including inheritance proceedings and the distribution of property, vehicles, and gold.

The court’s decision was made in line with Decree Law No. 26 of 2000, specifically Article 7, which deals with matters related to names and titles.

After reviewing the request and verifying its legitimacy, the committee ruled in favour of the family.

Under Article 196 of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law, the plaintiff is responsible for legal costs, but these expenses are minor compared to the relief of finally having the man’s death officially recognised, allowing the family to move forward with the necessary legal proceedings.