Free COVID-19 tests urged for students returning to Bahrain

Bahrainis studying abroad or those working in GCC countries could be exempted from paying for Covid-19 tests when they arrive back in the country.

The proposal by five MPs was unanimously approved by Parliament in its weekly session yesterday. It covers King Fahad Causeway, Bahrain International Airport and Khalifa Bin Salman Port.

People currently arriving in Bahrain have to pay BD40 for Covid-19 tests, one on entry and another for 10 days later.

Meanwhile, MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal to stop outsourcing manpower for ministries and government bodies. The proposal, by five MPs led by Khalid Bu Onk, comes as spending on outsourcing comes from budgets set aside for schemes and projects.

“This type of temporary employment is the wrong approach as it is doesn’t give Bahrainis job stability, the correct salary, allowances and rights that the position deserves.”

MPs also voted unanimously on an urgent proposal to settle hundreds of cases in which Bahrainis, without authorisation, expanded their government social homes. Many have received hefty fines or eviction court orders.

Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal said the government was working to resolve the problems associated with small homes and expanding family needs, while addressing the cases of those fined or threatened with eviction.

Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer told MPs earlier in the day when responding to a question about the 25,000 housing units to be built by the end of 2022 that Parliament should present solutions and contribute towards progress of work as existing problems gets settled.

MPs also unanimously approved an urgent proposal not to penalise businessmen by blacklisting them from all government services for failure to clear one violation.

An urgent proposal referring to housing projects in the Northern Governorate’s constituency seven was postponed until next week due to a stalemate.

MPs also voted unanimously on two urgent proposals to issue two statements on the GCC Summit and the anniversary of the formation of the National Guard, which were later issued by Ms Zainal.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.