Separated Parents Struggle to See Children as Visits Halt

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A number of separated mothers and fathers say they have been unable to see their children for more than 20 days after family visitation procedures were halted while staff at the Ministry of Social Development began working remotely.

Parents explained that they were surprised when they arrived at a social development centre expecting to collect or hand over their children, only to be informed that visits had been suspended.

They said no prior notification was provided directly to families. Instead, they later discovered that the ministry had posted an announcement on its Instagram account on March 3 indicating that visits had been stopped.

A second announcement was published few days ago stating that the suspension would continue until further notice.

For many parents, this means they may not be able to spend Eid with their children.

Impact

Those affected said the usual process of collecting and returning children takes only a few minutes and is carefully organised according to fixed schedules.

In most cases, they explained, the procedure involves simply handing the child to the other parent at the designated time, a process that normally takes less than ten minutes.

Therefore, they believe a simple mechanism can be established to allow visits to continue without disruption.

Instead, they say the halt has left many families facing a painful separation that has now stretched for more than three weeks.

Emotional toll

Parents described the situation as emotionally difficult for both adults and children.

Several people said the prolonged absence has created psychological strain, particularly for young children who rely on regular contact with both parents for stability and reassurance.

Since many of the children involved are minors, consistent communication and physical meetings are especially important during periods of family separation.

Without a clear alternative arrangement, parents say the interruption has left them feeling helpless.

Appeal

Parents emphasised that they understand the exceptional circumstances facing the country and respect the measures taken to safeguard public safety.

However, they expressed hope that an alternative system could be introduced to allow visits to continue in a controlled manner.

They noted that visitation rights are recognised under family regulations and described them as an essential element of maintaining the emotional well-being of children.

Several parents also pointed out that many government services have continued to operate through alternative arrangements, either through direct attendance or digital systems.

They questioned why a similar solution could not be introduced to ensure that family visits continue, allowing children and parents to maintain their bond during this difficult period.