Proposal to Let Expat and Bahraini Mothers Handle Kids’ Paperwork in Family Disputes

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Expat and Bahraini mothers caught in family rows could be given the green light to manage their children’s official paperwork without needing the father’s say-so, under a new proposal being considered by Parliament. The suggested rule change would also enable grandparents to step in if both parents are out of the picture, ensuring youngsters don’t lose access to essential services because of domestic conflict.

MP Jalal Kadhem, who brought this forward, said the plan aims to stop fathers from wielding red tape as a form of revenge during legal or personal feuds.

‘Some fathers deliberately refuse to handle basic formalities due to bitter family quarrels, turning simple procedures into a form of payback,’ Kadhem said. ‘We cannot allow administrative hurdles to be twisted into weapons that harm children.’

He noted that Bahrain’s courts are already under strain with an overwhelming backlog of family and criminal cases, leading to drawn-out waits for rulings. These delays often hold up key matters such as passports, birth certificates, and residency papers — all of which need a recognised guardian present.

Under this plan, mothers would carry out these tasks without waiting on the courts. Should both parents be unwilling or unable, grandparents would then take over.

‘We must put children first. A long wait in court should never mean a child goes without healthcare, schooling, or proper documents,’ Kadhem insisted.

He made it plain that the new approach would apply to both Bahraini and expat wives, acknowledging that those from abroad often face an uphill struggle, with few relatives nearby and an unfamiliar legal set-up.

‘The aim is to give children a steady footing, especially when family feuds drag on for months or even years,’ Kadhem added. ‘This is about fairness and keeping children’s interests at the heart of things.’

Kadhem expects strong backing from Parliament, calling this step necessary to close legal gaps and protect youngsters from the fallout of family strife.