Sparks fly over Expat ID validity bill

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A contentious bill that could fundamentally alter how Expat ID cards are issued has put lawmakers and authorities at loggerheads, as parliament prepares to debate the measure on Tuesday.

If passed, the amendment would stipulate that “in all cases, the ID card for a non-Bahraini shall be valid for a period not exceeding the duration of his residence in the Kingdom of Bahrain”—effectively tying the card’s validity strictly to the holder’s lawful residency. The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee has already urged MPs to reject the proposal in principle, underscoring deep divisions ahead of the debate.

Supporters argue the change would strengthen controls on overstays, curb access to ID-linked services and transactions, and increase fee revenue.

The government, however, dismisses the proposal as redundant, stressing that ID cards are already automatically deactivated once residency expires, immediately cutting off access to government services, banking and other dealings that require an active card.

The Ministry of Interior added that individuals leaving Bahrain are granted a 30-day grace period to settle their affairs before their ID cards are deactivated.

It also warned that tying card validity to residency periods would create operational complications, as residence permits vary widely in length, including long-term categories such as the Golden Residence. The ministry further cautioned that the amendment would place added strain on public finances, noting that issuing an ID card costs 14 dinars, while foreign nationals pay 10 dinars under a five-year renewal model.

The National Institution for Human Rights said the proposal does not, in principle, breach equality or directly infringe rights and freedoms, but called for a legal mechanism to address humanitarian cases where access to essential services depends on holding a valid ID card.

The Bahrain Bar Society raised no objections, while the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission recommended leaving ID validity periods to executive regulations for greater flexibility, warning that the proposed change could lead to operational difficulties.