Residents raise concerns on overcrowded worker housing in Capital

TDT | Manama                                                      

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Stricter housing regulations, including potential deportation, are being mulled to address mounting concerns over single foreign workers’ accommodations in Bahraini family neighbourhoods.

This proposal, tabled by Members of Parliament (MPs), has also garnered the backing of the Ministry of Interior, which affirmed, “We back the Council of Representatives’ initiative to keep our communities safe.”

Experts view this proposal as a critical move by Parliament to secure a balance between community standards and the demands of an expanding expatriate workforce in Bahrain.

Residents, particularly in the Capital Governorate, have voiced strong dissatisfaction over the concentration of single expat workers in overcrowded housing within family-oriented areas.

Breaches constitutional values

MPs argue that this arrangement disrupts community life and breaches Bahrain’s constitutional values that prioritize family welfare.

Citing Article 5/A of the Constitution, they highlight the importance of the family as society’s foundation, drawing strength from “religion, morality, and patriotism.”

Second Deputy Speaker Ahmed Qarata and four MPs are behind the proposal, which is set for parliamentary discussion next Tuesday.

Supported by municipal councils nationwide, the bill seeks to implement crucial health and safety standards in shared accommodations, aiming to protect neighbourhood integrity.

Living standards

The explanatory note to the proposal outlines residents' concerns about the impact of single foreign workers on local ethics, safety, social norms, and the environment.

With backing from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, efforts are underway to raise living standards in shared housing.

In coordination with the Information and eGovernment Authority, the Ministry of Health, and Civil Defence, the ministry is addressing housing standards to align with community expectations.

Strain on public services

The Ministry of Interior’s endorsement emphasizes swift action to address resident complaints, preserve public order, and enforce safety.

This includes deportation as a potential consequence for any housing rule violations affecting family neighbourhoods.

A cross-agency task force, led by the Interior Minister, is currently exploring comprehensive strategies to manage the effects of foreign labour and high-density housing, aiming to ease the strain on public services and enhance community cohesion.

Councils endorse Municipal councils across Bahrain, from the Capital to the Southern area, have endorsed the proposal. The Services Committee Chairman, MP Mamdouh Al Saleh, noted that addressing housing concerns will help alleviate pressure on local resources and support residents’ quality of life.