Bahrain Cabinet approves new rules for residence permits and entry for expatriate spouses of citizens

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Cabinet today approved new rules for residence permits and entry for expatriate husbands and wives of citizens at the weekly meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister at the Gudaibiya Palace.

The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman, and the people of Bahrain following the 21st anniversary of the adoption of the National Action Charter.

The Cabinet noted the Kingdom's many achievements that have been made possible due to the Charter, which has spurred economic growth and political development.

HRH Prince Salman ordered the implementation of HM the King’s directive to provide housing services to the eligible applicants,  families of prisoners and beneficiaries of the Alternative Sentencing Programme, to preserve family relations and strengthen the social fabric of the Kingdom. This will maximize the success of this pioneering program, including the evaluation of prisoner behaviour.

The Cabinet also approved the following memorandums during the meeting:

1. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding the preliminary financial results for the fiscal year 2021. The memorandum outlined the increase in total public revenues for the year compared to the actual results of 2020 with non-oil revenues increasing by 5%. The results confirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitments to implementing government projects that support economic recovery and further revealed a 35% decrease in the fiscal deficit in 2021, compared to the 2020 actual results.

2.  A memorandum by the Minister of Health regarding the establishment and formation of the Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialties. The Council will supervise the establishment and evaluation of health training programmes as well as their preparation for international certification. The Council will also oversee the evaluation of professional certificates across various health disciplines, national health programmes and the establishment of specialised training programmes.

3. A memorandum by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism regarding a draft decision banning the use of single-use plastic bags, which supports the Kingdom's adoption of initiatives to protect the environment.

4. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the government's response to 3 proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives.