Legislators have stressed the need for a unified GCC mechanism to ease the travel of Bahrainis across Gulf countries.
This follows complaints from citizens who claim to have encountered legal or financial hurdles, particularly while travelling to other states to attend major sporting events like the Gulf Cup in Kuwait.
Many Bahrainis travelling by bus or private vehicles have allegedly faced delays or demands for payments at the Saudi border with Kuwait over unsettled traffic violations.
MP Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh also highlighted the hardships faced by citizens who have repaid debts in Gulf countries but remain flagged, and those with traffic fines in other GCC member states.
He attributed the confusion to ‘varying policies between GCC nations’ and stressed the need for a unified mechanism to ease travel for Bahrainis across the region.
“So, if King Fahad Causeway authorities clear them, why are they facing action somewhere else?” questioned Mr Al Mahfoodh during the weekly session yesterday.
“This is an issue of co-ordination and trust between member states. Our citizens should not have to pay twice – once through financial settlements and again through their time and dignity.”
MPs yesterday unanimously approved a proposal to lift travel restrictions on Bahrainis seeking to move across other GCC states. It was spearheaded by five MPs led by Mr Mahfoodh.
The issue has gained urgency as thousands of Bahrainis travelled to Kuwait to support their national football team during the Gulf Cup this month.
“Many faced delays due to unsettled traffic violations or outdated alerts in GCC systems,” Mr Al Mahfoodh claimed.
“It is not just inconvenient; it’s unjust. We are calling for an immediate review and lifting of these restrictions to ensure smoother travel for Bahrainis within the GCC.
“The Gulf Cup brought this issue into sharp focus, but it’s been happening for years. We need a unified GCC mechanism that respects the sovereignty of each state while ensuring the freedom of movement for our citizens.”
MPs expressed unanimous support for the proposal, emphasising the importance of improving co-ordination between GCC states to enhance regional unity and trust.
“Our citizens’ rights must be protected. They should not suffer owing to a lack of communication between GCC authorities,” said services committee chairwoman MP Jalila Al Sayed, who is one of the signatories on the proposal.
The proposal will now be forwarded to the Cabinet for review.
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