Expatriates could be forced to present a declaration stating that no money is owed to any individual or establishment before leaving the country willingly or being deported.
Parliament is set to debate and vote on amendments to the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law presented by five MPs led by Ahmed Qarata.
The amendments state that expat employers and employees will have to present financial obligation clearance certificates showing amounts owed to the state, entities or individuals have been settled, before leaving or when deported through sea, air or land exits.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) told MPs in writing that the proposal is highly impractical as it is difficult to ascertain the financial obligations of every expat.
LMRA neither has the jurisdiction or mechanism to assess the debts of expats nor the legalised official manpower to follow it up, the authority said.
It pointed out that it only alerts authorities whenever there are court verdicts against an employer or employee after a crime or violation is committed.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Chamber also raised concerns about the proposed legislation stating that it contradicted international conventions and treaties on individuals’ freedom of mobility without court verdicts against them.
“It is unclear if employers or employees leaving on holiday or to attend official business meetings will have to present such certifications every time they exit the country,” it added.
Bahrain’s two labour union federations backed the proposed move unconditionally.
It follows amendments to the 1976 Penal Code, approved unanimously earlier this month. The proposal was presented by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Dhaen.
It gives judges the power to determine how long the guilty party can be held in detention, from three years to indefinitely. However, the deportation verdict will not be effective until all debts are cleared.
This proposal references the 2021 Civil and Commercial Procedures’ Law as a precondition for deportation.
In February this year, MPs voted in favour of amendments to the law to prohibit expats from leaving Bahrain until they fully repay any outstanding debts.
It would give judges the right to renew travel bans multiple times, until payments are made or a guarantor agrees to repay the debt in full or in instalments.
Currently, a travel ban is imposed for three months and can be renewed for a maximum of three times before expatriates are allowed to leave the country with or without payments being made.
MPs are also set to debate and vote on a new legislation to form the pensioners’ fund, presented by five legislators led by Bader Al Tamimi.
It entitles pensioners to 50 per cent discounts on all government services and medical treatments provided by the private sector.
The legislation also seeks to get 5pc of VAT revenues transferred to pension funds annually.
The Finance and National Economy Ministry and the BDF have raised concerns over its practicality, while the Supreme Council for Health said the health part was already being implemented.
MPs will also debate and vote on amendments to the 2006 Insurance Against Unemployment Law presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi to increase the monthly allowance period from up to nine months until a new job is found.
The Labour Ministry has called for a rethink and said such a proposal would see many people continue on the jobless payroll rather than seek employment.
Legislators are also set to vote on requests to have open debates on four topics: Traffic congestion, drop in fish stocks, improving living standards of Bahrainis and dilapidated homes.
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