Parliament to debate bill aiming to support low-income citizens

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

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The Bahraini House of Representatives is set to debate a proposed law in its upcoming session aimed at establishing a financial support account for low-income citizens.

The bill, introduced by MP Ali Al Nuaimi, has received the endorsement of the Services Committee.

The proposed legislation seeks to ease the financial burdens on low-income families, ensuring a decent standard of living and providing assistance in the face of rising living costs and challenging economic conditions.

The bill acknowledges the significant increase in the cost of essential goods and services, making it difficult for many Bahraini families to meet their basic needs.

Messure

It argues the measure will positively impact the national economy and contribute to social stability.

The five-article bill proposes a mechanism for funding the support account.

Article one outlines a levy of $1 per barrel of crude oil exported from Bahrain, applicable to barrels exceeding $40 in value, starting from the first fiscal year following the law’s enactment.

These funds will be deposited into a dedicated “Financial Support Account for Low-Income Individuals.”

Account

Article two mandates the Ministry of Finance and National Economy to open and manage this account.

Article three details the disbursement of funds by the Ministry of Social Development, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

A one-time annual payment will be distributed to Bahraini heads of households based on income brackets.

Those with a monthly income below BD300 will receive 200% of their monthly entitlement; those with a monthly income between BD301 and BD700 will receive 150% of their monthly entitlement.