MP calls for interest-free student loans

Manama : Top high school graduates could get interest-free loans to continue their higher education if a parliamentary proposal is approved.

Head of the Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives Mohammed Al Maarifi moved the proposal calling for more consideration for Bahraini school graduates who scored good grades so that they could continue their higher education in the local, regional and international universities, which usually ask for higher fees. 

“The proposal would enable Bahraini youth to access higher education without any financial obstacles. This is a vital step towards making higher education a future acquired right of citizens,” Al Maarifi said in a recent statement.

Al Maarifi demanded offering different schemes to students according to their high school scores, exempting them completely or partially from paying the fees of universities of their choice, in addition to offering interest-free loans that won’t be claimed until students are graduated and employed.

 “This would form another motive for the government to create job opportunities for Bahrainis and stimulate mechanisms to protect citizens from the dangers of unemployment and other drawbacks,” he commented.

“This would serve the development of detailed strategic plans from the State authorities to link higher education with the labour market requirements,” he added.  Al Maarifi submitted his proposal on Tuesday. The proposal will be referred to the concerned committees in the council for review and he shall receive a reply within eight weeks.