Proposal to allow govt employees issue CRs

Manama : Allowing public sector employees to obtain Commercial Registrations (CRs) will be discussed by the country’s legislators this week despite the Government’s reservations on the matter.

The proposal, submitted last year by MPs Ghazi Al Rahma and Jalal Kadhim, aims to amend the existing law and allow citizens who work in the Government to issue CRs, similar to Bahraini employees in the private sector.

MPs will review the Parliamentary committee’s report on the proposal to amend the Law Decree 27 of 2015 in relation to CRs.

According to Al Rahma and Kadhim, the amendment will enhance citizens’ livelihoods, assist them in creating other income sources and support the youth, creativity and innovation.

The MPs also stressed that passing the proposal would develop the commercial movement in the Kingdom and enhance the purchasing power during the current economic fluctuations.

The proposal was studied by the council’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, which consulted several governmental authorities and authorities, including the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Both authorities declined the proposal, stating that it would create risk to the business opportunities of citizens who don’t work in the public sector. They also said it will have a negative impact on public sector employees’ performance and harm traders who solely rely on their businesses.

BCCI also noted to a point, stating that if the proposal is passed, it may contribute to increased illegal CRs’ renting phenomenon. The chamber added that jobs in the public sector should be separated from any activities that may influence its integrity, noting that jobs in the government may be exploited to serve personal interests.

However, the committee passed the proposal and will present its report on the matter to the Representatives’ House this Tuesday for voting, so it could be referred to the Shura Council for further studying and approval, before it could be passed on to the Government for final approval.