Jail, fines proposed for unlicensed nurseries

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Unlicensed nurseries could face fines of 200 to 1,000 dinars and possible jail terms under a draft law set to be debated in Parliament on Tuesday.

The bill amends the Child Law of 2012 and defines two offences: establishing a nursery without a licence, and operating a nursery or altering its location or specifications without approval from the Ministry of Education. In both cases, courts could impose imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The amendment clarifies the legal distinction between licensing and prior approval. Establishing a nursery would require a licence, while operating one or making changes to its site or specifications would require ministerial consent.

The draft law also updates terminology by replacing outdated disability language with rights-based terms, using “persons with disabilities” and “a person with a disability”, in line with Bahrain’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Services Committee has recommended approval in principle, while the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee said the bill raises no constitutional issues. The government has also endorsed the proposal.

The Ministry of Education said the changes would strengthen oversight and improve childcare standards, noting that 110 licensed nurseries fall under its supervision in the 2025–2026 academic year.

A transitional clause would give existing nurseries six months to regularise their status. If approved, the law would take effect after publication in the Official Gazette.