Expatriate ebiz owners in a fix

Expatriates, who have been running online businesses, are in a fix, following the announcement that only Bahrainis will be allowed to run online businesses in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism recently introduced the new Virtual Commercial Records (VCR) services, which will only be granted to Bahrainis, which means that only Bahrainis can legally own an online business in the country. 

“VCR is a new initiative allowing entrepreneurs, who are operating commercial activities from multiple locations that don’t have an address or commercial records. These permits will make their businesses legal without the need of an actual address,” said a statement on Wednesday. 

Speaking to DT News, a western expat who has been running a business selling children’s products for the past few months said she was unaware of the new law. 

“I never thought that running an online store would become illegal. I know it was never officially recognised, but I never thought there would be laws against those who do so,” she said, adding, “I have had my business for the past three months and the reception for it has been tremendous.” 

Another ‘business owner’, who did not want to be named, said that the increased living expenses and reduced source of income may lead to a situation where she is unable to pay the bills. “The living expenses have increased, there is no hope for salary hikes and if the source of alternate income is also being taken away, it is a heavy blow,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the issue has become the butt of a joke on social media. “People rent the CR from Bahraini nationals now they will need to rent VCR,” a Facebook user quipped. “Anyone wants to have a CR can contact me” another user commented, without giving any more details.