Rumours of plans to amend indemnity laws dismissed

Manama : Rumours over amendments to Bahrain’s indemnity laws has been denied by a Bahraini legislator. This follows messages widely circulating on social media in the past few days, raising concerns among the expat population. In the message, it was claimed that the Government, represented by the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), is planning to adjust the existing  Pensions Law by only disbursing the indemnity of expat workers in the private sector when their residency permits are cancelled.  

It was also alleged that this matter is now being discussed between the Government and legislators, at the government-parliamentary committee formed as per the Royal Directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to to reconsider the new Pensions Law. The Royal Directives were issued after the proposed law created an outcry among citizens, as it grants absolute jurisdictions to SIO, allowing it to determine pensions’ percentages, retirement age, pensions increment and other powers related to the regulation of retirement and pensions of the Bahraini employees in the public and military sectors, as well as members of the Legislative Authority and municipal councils.

Tribune yesterday spoke to Shura Council member Jamal Fakhro about the matter to verify the claims. Mr Fakhro, who heads the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee in Shura Council,  confirmed to Tribune that the news is false. The lawmaker denied that the committee even discussed the matter, as the sole purpose of forming it was to discuss the Pensions Law, which is only related to Bahrainis.

“The indemnity of expatriate workers is regulated by the Labour Law. This matter is within the jurisdiction of Labour Ministry. It was never discussed at the committee,” Mr Fakhro affirmed. Tribune was contacted by many concerned readers with regard to the matter. Labour Ministry comments are awaited.