08 June 2006
The proposal to double car registration fees and driving licence renewal fees for expatriates has stirred strong emotions among Bahrainis and expatriates alike. People feel that it is 'discriminatory' and some even say it will hit expatriate women workers the worst. BT readers have their say on this controversial issue.
"It is an unexpected move in an expat-friendly country like Bahrain. Expatriates are here as part of the development scenario that Bahrain is going through and contribute richly to the Kingdom's progress. So why single them out for such discriminatory double charges? I say, increase the fees across the board if needed but don't single out a particular group. If the motive is to reduce the number of cars on the roads and improve our traffic situation, there are far more serious issues, like implementing road discipline, that law-makers should focus on."
"This is not a welcome decision as there is a clear discrimination between the citizens and the non-Bahrainis. The law should be equal for everyone - there is no room for favouritism. The plight of the expatriates should be considered while implementing such proposals. People will be more sceptical henceforth and it may burn big holes in the pockets of people who want to renew or register their second-hand cars. The decision needs to be amended as it will affect the dealers in the used car market."
"The proposal is a rip-off and as an expat I find it unjust! Bahrainis get paid more than expatriates in terms of hours of work put in and there is no reason why expatriates should shoulder this extra burden. We expatriates have played a role in developing Bahrain - there is no denying that - and we should not be 'fined' for being here as part of a global workforce. Many expatriates have to maintain more than one car per family because of the lack of proper public transport in Bahrain. It's so hot here that walking to places even 10 minutes down the road is difficult."
The proposal to double car registration fees and driving licence renewal fees for expatriates has stirred strong emotions among Bahrainis and expatriates alike. People feel that it is 'discriminatory' and some even say it will hit expatriate women workers the worst. BT readers have their say on this controversial issue.
"It is an unexpected move in an expat-friendly country like Bahrain. Expatriates are here as part of the development scenario that Bahrain is going through and contribute richly to the Kingdom's progress. So why single them out for such discriminatory double charges? I say, increase the fees across the board if needed but don't single out a particular group. If the motive is to reduce the number of cars on the roads and improve our traffic situation, there are far more serious issues, like implementing road discipline, that law-makers should focus on."
"This is not a welcome decision as there is a clear discrimination between the citizens and the non-Bahrainis. The law should be equal for everyone - there is no room for favouritism. The plight of the expatriates should be considered while implementing such proposals. People will be more sceptical henceforth and it may burn big holes in the pockets of people who want to renew or register their second-hand cars. The decision needs to be amended as it will affect the dealers in the used car market."
"The proposal is a rip-off and as an expat I find it unjust! Bahrainis get paid more than expatriates in terms of hours of work put in and there is no reason why expatriates should shoulder this extra burden. We expatriates have played a role in developing Bahrain - there is no denying that - and we should not be 'fined' for being here as part of a global workforce. Many expatriates have to maintain more than one car per family because of the lack of proper public transport in Bahrain. It's so hot here that walking to places even 10 minutes down the road is difficult."
© Bahrain Tribune 2006
