Key Bills Face Shura Council Decision

TDT | Manama

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Disability Hiring Quota Hike Faces Resistance

Bahrain’s Shura Council is set to debate a proposal to increase the employment quota for people with disabilities in private companies, despite a recommendation to reject the plan.

The draft law, already approved by Parliament, seeks to raise the minimum quota from 2% to 4% in firms employing 50 workers or more. It would amend parts of Law No. 74 of 2006, which governs the care, rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities.

The proposal also makes it mandatory for the Labour Minister, in coordination with relevant authorities, to identify government positions where qualified individuals with disabilities would receive hiring priority.

However, the Shura Council’s Services Committee has advised against the bill, arguing that the issue lies in weak enforcement of the current law rather than the quota itself.

According to a recent audit, 96% of eligible companies failed to meet the existing 2% requirement, highlighting significant compliance gaps. The committee stressed that stricter enforcement, improved training and better job preparation would be more effective than raising the quota.

While some civil society groups support the increase, others emphasized the need for enhanced rehabilitation, workplace readiness and better coordination between government bodies.

New Law Targets Illegal Financial Services

Shura Council will review stricter penalties for unlicensed financial activities, including jail terms and fines of up to BD1 million.

The proposal, issued as Decree-Law No. 37 of 2025, amends the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law. It targets violations such as operating financial services without a licence or misusing regulated financial terms.

The Shura Council’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee recommended approving the measure, citing the need to combat money laundering and terrorism financing more effectively.

The committee warned that delays in strengthening regulations could expose Bahrain to international risks, including possible placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which could impact investment and financial credibility.

Officials also highlighted the urgency of implementing the law ahead of Bahrain’s upcoming FATF evaluation.

If approved, offenders could face imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

Licensing Law for Artists Pulled Due to Delays

A proposed law to regulate artistic professions in Bahrain was withdrawn after the government failed to provide feedback.

The draft legislation, submitted in May 2025, aimed to introduce licensing requirements for artists, including actors, musicians and performers.

It would have made it mandatory to obtain official approval before practicing in the sector.

The bill’s sponsors withdrew the proposal after the Ministry of Information did not respond to requests for its opinion, leaving lawmakers without sufficient input to proceed.

The proposed law also included plans for a professional licensing system, fees for foreign artists and the creation of a fund to support the arts sector in the Kingdom.

Although withdrawn, the bill marked a significant attempt to formally regulate Bahrain’s creative industries and enhance support for local artists.