Bahrain decides to raise allowance for pensioners

TDT | Manama                                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pensioners will get a BD40 rise in their monthly cost of living allowance, it was revealed. Those earning less than BD700, who presently receive a BD150 allowance, will receive BD190. Meanwhile, individuals receiving between BD701 and BD1,500, who are getting BD125, will now get BD165. Pensioners will also be paid retrospectively for the months of January to June, with a lump amount of BD240.

Starting in June, public sector employees getting a BD60 cost of living allowance will receive an additional BD40, totalling BD100, while those receiving BD50 will receive an additional BD35, totalling BD85, benefiting 94% of respondents.

Details were announced yesterday after a meeting between the executive and parliamentary branches to achieve an agreement on pay increases and pensions. Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, and Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh presided over the meeting. Ministers, MPs, Shura Council members, and government officials were present.

Besides numerous initiatives to improve citizens living standards and achieve financial stability in line with the Fiscal Balance Programme's execution were explored, as well as ways to reduce expenditure and raise income.

Mohammed Al Ahmed, head of Parliament's finance and economic affairs committee, stated that efforts were also being made to broaden programmes to assist Bahrainis working in the private sector. He also stated that financial assistance for persons with severe disabilities will be increased from BD100 to BD200.

He added that an agreement was reached to develop non-oil revenues in a way that does not harm citizens by raising tourism and aviation fees.