Parliament Approves Amendments to Social Insurance Law

TDT | Manama

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The Council of Representatives approved a draft law amending provisions of the Social Insurance Law. This move aims to refine benefit entitlements and strengthen protections for beneficiaries, including widows and dependants. The decision followed extensive debate over financial sustainability, social justice and the impact of existing regulations on vulnerable groups.

The approved amendments focus on specific articles governing social insurance benefits. MPs stressed that the law must continue to protect widows, orphans and dependants, particularly in light of rising living costs and economic pressures. Members underlined that any reform should preserve the social purpose of the insurance system while ensuring long term sustainability.

During deliberations, MPs raised a range of concerns and observations. MP Basma Abdulkarim stressed that legislative changes must not adversely affect widows, warning that reducing or restricting benefits would place direct pressure on families relying on these payments for basic stability. MP Mohamed Mohamed Al Riffaei questioned the accuracy of cost calculations and called for clearer figures to avoid undermining confidence in the system. MP Mohamed Moosa Mohamed argued that targeted benefits for widows and dependants would not impose an excessive burden on the fund if properly structured. MP Khalid Saleh Buanaq criticised delays in committee decisions and urged greater transparency, while MP Abdulhakim Al Sheno highlighted the importance of meeting beneficiaries’ expectations once amendments are approved. MP Hesham Abdulaziz Al Awadhi stressed the need for clear documentation to justify legislative outcomes.

MPs agreed that social insurance reform must strike a balance between financial considerations and social responsibility. They emphasised that widows and dependants represent a core group the system is designed to protect, and that fairness must remain central to any amendments.

Following parliamentary approval, the draft law will be referred to the Shura Council, as the legislative process continues towards final adoption and implementation.