VAT-free bracket extended

A special directive has been issued by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to exempt 220 additional government services from Value-Added Tax (VAT).

This was highlighted yesterday at the Cabinet meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. HRH the Premier’s directive now puts the total number of VAT-exempt government services at 1,620.

In another development, In line with the directives of HM the King to review the mechanisms of applying various fees over various services, and noting the importance of taking into account the needs of citizens, HRH the Premier, directed the cancellation of fees for 200 government services, across 10 government entities.

The Cabinet strongly condemned the attack that occurred at the Bahraini Embassy in Baghdad, describing it as a violation of the most basic diplomatic rules and norms, and a contravention of all international conventions and treaties.  The session expressed gratitude for the measures taken by the government of the Republic of Iraq to provide the necessary protection needed for embassy staff.

It also noted the strong relationship shared by Bahrain and Iraq, and the importance of further strengthening these relations to support the interests of both countries. The Cabinet went on to express its gratitude and appreciation to both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives for their solid stances while addressing media campaigns that have targeted the Kingdom in an attempt to encourage social discord.