Bahrain Implements Decision to Remove Housing Benefit Restriction for Inherited Property

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In response to recent media reports about lifting the restriction that prevented wives from accessing housing services if they inherited property, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning clarified that this policy change had already been implemented. A Cabinet decision from August last year officially removed the condition disqualifying wives from housing benefits upon inheriting property.

The ministry emphasized that the circulated proposal advocating for this change had already been put into effect immediately after the Cabinet’s decision. Statements and recommendations attributed to the ministry in the media were issued before the decision was made. When the ruling was announced last August, it received widespread approval from both citizens and legislative members for allowing affected families to keep their housing applications active. The Parliamentary Committee for Public Utilities and Environment praised the decision, highlighting the positive collaboration between the executive and legislative branches on this issue, which had been approved and forwarded to the government during the last legislative session.

Additionally, the ministry highlighted its ongoing efforts to improve housing eligibility policies. Recent initiatives include expanding eligibility criteria for Category Five housing applicants and updating the calculation method for determining monthly income. Now, the applicant’s income is calculated based on their basic salary and fixed allowances exceeding BHD 100, with the option to include additional variable allowances at the applicant’s discretion.

The ministry also introduced a new regulation for nomination certificates for homeownership services. Under this rule, only an applicant’s monthly income will be assessed before issuing the nomination certificate, ensuring that applicants are not affected by future changes in income eligibility criteria.

Reaffirming its commitment to refining policies and enhancing housing programs, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to focus on providing adequate housing for low-income citizens. These efforts reflect ongoing coordination between legislative and executive authorities, underscoring the government’s dedication to social welfare and housing security.