Government opposes bill linking non-Bahraini CPR card validity to residency duration

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

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A bill seeking to tie the validity of the Central Population Registry (CPR) card to residency duration has encountered resistance from the government, which maintains that existing laws adequately address the issue without the need for new legislation.

The government expressed reservations regarding this parliamentary initiative, which aims to tighten control over irregular labour and restrict access to government and banking services, with the intention of enhancing financial returns to the public purse.

In its explanatory note, the government argues that the bill is unnecessary, stating, “There is no doubt that the legislator formulates legal rules to establish new provisions for a perceived benefit, not merely to reaffirm existing meanings and provisions.” It insists that legislative measures should introduce new elements rather than reiterate what is already established.

The government emphasises the importance of reassessing current laws relevant to the issues the bill seeks to address.

The proposed legislation targets the CPR cards of non-Bahraini residents, linking their validity to their residency period.

However, such provisions are already encompassed within the executive regulations of the Identity Card Law from 2007, which outlines the validity and issuance conditions for these cards.

Articles 12 and 13 specify the circumstances under which identity cards must be returned or cancelled.

Regulations

According to the government, the existing regulations ensure that CPR card holders must be legally residing in Bahrain, a fundamental condition for both issuance and renewal.

It cautions that tying the validity of CPR cards to varying residency durations could lead to practical complications, particularly regarding discrepancies with driving licences and residency visas.

Moreover, the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) automatically suspends the activation of CPR cards upon notification of residency cancellation, ensuring that those who violate residency conditions cannot access essential services.

Inconsistencies

The government also highlights potential inconsistencies within the proposed bill, noting that certain residency types, such as Golden Residency Visa, extend for 10 years, while identity cards for non-Bahraini residents would only be valid for five.

This disparity contradicts the principles underpinning the Identity Card Law, which seeks to maintain legislative effectiveness while allowing flexibility to adapt to changes in the labour market.

Ultimately, the government advocates for the retention of the current framework, which permits adjustments through executive regulations without the need for new laws. This approach allows for swift administrative responses to the evolving dynamics of the labour market.