Bahrain's Efforts to Ensure Safe Conditions for Expatriates

TDT | Manama

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Dalal Jassim Al Zayed, Chairperson of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee in the Shura Council and member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Committee on International Humanitarian Law, participated in a video conference organised by the IPU in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which discussed how societies can better handle the influx of migrants forced to leave their home countries due to various circumstances. The meeting addressed rising levels of hatred and discrimination faced by migrants globally, in light of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Chairperson Al Zayed reaffirmed that Bahrain's wise policies, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, have earned the Kingdom international recognition for promoting peaceful coexistence and combating hatred. She noted that Bahrain's commitment to international treaties and laws has strengthened its global standing by supporting initiatives that foster peace, coexistence, and mutual respect within institutional and legal frameworks.

Al Zayed also stressed that Bahrain remains committed to supporting countries hosting migrants through international cooperation and providing humanitarian assistance, by the principles of international humanitarian law.

Al Zayed highlighted that Bahrain is proud to be ranked as one of the best destinations for expatriates, due to factors such as affordable housing, easy access to visas, banking services, and electronic payments. She noted that expatriates enjoy a welcoming and safe environment in Bahrain, which has made significant progress in protecting the rights of migrant workers through laws and regulations that ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and non-discriminatory practices, along with access to appropriate medical care.

She further emphasised the need for host countries worldwide to strengthen their legislative frameworks to support migrant and refugee rights better and to amend existing laws to enhance protection for vulnerable groups. Al Zayed pointed to the importance of international cooperation in combating xenophobia by sharing successful policies and best practices from different nations. She also stressed the vital role that international organisations, such as the United Nations, can play in supporting these initiatives and promoting migrant-friendly policies to reduce racism and raise awareness of human rights.

The meeting brought together parliamentary experts to share ideas, recommendations, and insights on addressing xenophobia and discrimination against migrants. Participants discussed the legal protections needed to safeguard migrants' human rights. They explored the potential adoption of formal guidelines by the UN Committee on the Protection of Migrant Workers and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Participants also highlighted the crucial role of legislators in overcoming challenges related to xenophobia and migrant rights, in partnership with the UN and other stakeholders, and underscored the importance of supporting the Migrant Workers’ Rights Convention and the campaign for its ratification.

The meeting concluded with discussions on best practices and recommendations aimed at protecting the rights of migrants and foreigners, which will be jointly adopted by the UN Committees on Migrant Workers and the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.