Mothers may be allowed to complete children’s official paperwork amid court disputes

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Wives could be allowed to complete passport applications, birth registrations, residency paper work and other government procedures for their minor children during court disputes under a proposal set to be debated in Parliament on Tuesday.

Submitted by MP Jalal Kadhem, the proposal would grant Bahraini and expatriate wives the authority to handle official transactions related to their minor children across government bodies without waiting for a court ruling. If both parents are unavailable, the right would transfer to the grandparents.

Kadhem said the aim is to ensure that essential procedures are not delayed or neglected during disputes, stressing that the measure is intended to protect the best interests of children.

The Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has recommended approval of the proposal.

The Supreme Council for Women said it was not constitutionally empowered to comment on such proposals, noting that the objective would require either legislative amendments or administrative action.

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf said the proposal involves multiple government entities and touches on matters currently under judicial authority. It added that the government would study the proposal in full if Parliament approves and formally refers it for consideration.