Latest news with #AliAlRumaihi
Gulf Insider
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Shura Blocks Proposal to Extend Traffic Fine Deadline
Faced with over 470,000 traffic offences last year, Shura yesterday rejected a proposal to give drivers more time to pay reduced fines. The draft amendment, approved by MPs in February, would have extended the current seven-day window to 30, allowing offenders a longer period to pay half the minimum fine and avoid court proceedings. Backers of the proposal in Parliament argued that the extra time would help clear minor cases faster and take pressure off the courts. They said many drivers struggled to meet the one-week deadline, particularly given rising living costs. System Justice Minister, His Excellency Nawaf Al Maawda, defended the current system, which lets drivers pay half the minimum fine if they settle within seven days, the full minimum fine between days eight and 30, and at least a quarter of the maximum fine if the case reaches the Public Prosecution. 'By scrapping the seven-day tier, the law removes the step-by-step approach to penalties,' he said. 'It means someone who pays straight away is treated the same as someone who waits a month. That isn't fair.' The government objected to the change. So did the Shura Council's Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, which argued that stretching the deadline would weaken the purpose of the penalties, which are intended to correct behaviour early. Bad driving 'Fines aren't simply there to raise money,' said Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, who chairs the committee. 'They are part of a system that stops bad driving before it turns deadly.' He noted that Bahrain's roads are under strain, with more than 770,000 vehicles registered and over 17,000 new ones added in 2024. In June that year, 48 per cent of recorded accidents were serious. Speeding made up 28 per cent of traffic violations. Misguided Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, second deputy chairwoman of the Council, called the proposal misguided. She said settlements were meant to be quick and act as a prompt for drivers to rethink their behaviour, not a chance to delay consequences. 'Settlement should not be mistaken for leniency in matters involving lives and property,' she said. 'If you stretch the timeline, you risk weakening the whole system.' She also pointed to the lack of supporting evidence. The number of traffic offences rose from 415,506 in 2022 to 473,563 in 2023, figures she said suggest that the current system is doing its job. Safety Committee rapporteur Ali Abdulla Al Aradi said the Traffic Law was one of Bahrain's most important laws, touching both safety and everyday life. 'Fines only work when they're paid on time,' he said. 'Letting them drag on takes the pressure off those who break the rules. The aim is to correct dangerous habits before they lead to something worse.' He said the proposed amendment clashed with the intent behind Article 56, which was designed to encourage a quick resolution. The Council rejected the bill in principle and returned it to the lower house for further consideration. Also read: The All-New Audi A5: A Game-Changer on Bahrain's Roads
Daily Tribune
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
No extra time for traffic offenders as Shura blocks proposal to extend fine payment deadline
Faced with over 470,000 traffic offences last year, Shura yesterday rejected a proposal to give drivers more time to pay reduced fines. The draft amendment, approved by MPs in February, would have extended the current seven-day window to 30, allowing offenders a longer period to pay half the minimum fine and avoid court proceedings. Backers of the proposal in Parliament argued that the extra time would help clear minor cases faster and take pressure off the courts. They said many drivers struggled to meet the one-week deadline, particularly given rising living costs. System Justice Minister, His Excellency Nawaf Al Maawda, defended the current system, which lets drivers pay half the minimum fine if they settle within seven days, the full minimum fine between days eight and 30, and at least a quarter of the maximum fine if the case reaches the Public Prosecution. 'By scrapping the seven-day tier, the law removes the step-by-step approach to penalties,' he said. 'It means someone who pays straight away is treated the same as someone who waits a month. That isn't fair.' The government objected to the change. So did the Shura Council's Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, which argued that stretching the deadline would weaken the purpose of the penalties, which are intended to correct behaviour early. Bad driving 'Fines aren't simply there to raise money,' said Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, who chairs the committee. 'They are part of a system that stops bad driving before it turns deadly.' He noted that Bahrain's roads are under strain, with more than 770,000 vehicles registered and over 17,000 new ones added in 2024. In June that year, 48 per cent of recorded accidents were serious. Speeding made up 28 per cent of traffic violations. Misguided Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, second deputy chairwoman of the Council, called the proposal misguided. She said settlements were meant to be quick and act as a prompt for drivers to rethink their behaviour, not a chance to delay consequences. 'Settlement should not be mistaken for leniency in matters involving lives and property,' she said. 'If you stretch the timeline, you risk weakening the whole system.' She also pointed to the lack of supporting evidence. The number of traffic offences rose from 415,506 in 2022 to 473,563 in 2023, figures she said suggest that the current system is doing its job. Safety Committee rapporteur Ali Abdulla Al Aradi said the Traffic Law was one of Bahrain's most important laws, touching both safety and everyday life. 'Fines only work when they're paid on time,' he said. 'Letting them drag on takes the pressure off those who break the rules. The aim is to correct dangerous habits before they lead to something worse.' He said the proposed amendment clashed with the intent behind Article 56, which was designed to encourage a quick resolution. The Council rejected the bill in principle and returned it to the lower house for further consideration.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain to introduce two more alternative penalties
Bahrain - Two new types of alternative penalties that are mandatory – placement in specialised psychiatric institutions or health clinics, and compulsory reporting to security facilities during designated hours – will be introduced in Bahrain. These changes increase the total number of available alternative penalties from seven to nine. The Shura Council yesterday unanimously approved a set of government-drafted amendments to the 2017 Alternative Sentencing Law. The proposed changes, previously passed unanimously by Parliament, seek to enhance and broaden the scope of alternative punishments, offering more humane and rehabilitative solutions for offenders. The seven existing alternative penalties are: Community service, house arrest, restrictions from certain locations, ban from specific electronic websites, avoidance of certain individuals or groups, electronic monitoring, rehabilitation and training programmes, and repairing damages caused by the crime. The new amendments also ban offenders from certain websites directly related to their crimes, instead of a blanket prohibition on Internet use. One of the key elements of the amendments is the designation of the Interior Ministry as the sole authority responsible for overseeing the implementation of all alternative punishments. This move aims to enhance accountability, co-ordination and efficiency. Since its introduction in 2017, Bahrain's alternative sentencing law has benefited 7,836 individuals. Shura Council foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi said the reforms would not only help reduce prison overcrowding, but also offer a more humane, rehabilitative approach to justice. He stressed the significance of the reforms in offering a second chance to convicts: 'Alternative sentencing provides a second chance for offenders to reform and reintegrate into society. It is a balanced approach that benefits both the individual and the community.' Shura Council second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel also praised the law's success and highlighted the importance of adapting to digital and social developments. She explained that restricting access to specific websites, rather than blanket bans, ensures fairer application of justice. 'The amendments strike a balance in achieving justice for convicts. For example, they are not entirely barred from using electronic platforms – only the ones linked to their crime.' Dr Al Fadhel further proposed the creation of a fund to support alternative sentencing programmes. 'I suggest the Interior Ministry conduct a feasibility study on establishing a dedicated fund, jointly financed by the government, private sector, and civil society organisations, to support these programmes.' The amendments were drafted with inputs and support from the ministries of Interior, Justice and Social Development, as well as the Supreme Judicial Council, Bahrain Bar Society and the National Institution for Human Rights. Present during the weekly Shura Council session yesterday were Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda and Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi alongside senior Interior Ministry officials. Shura Council foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa said there was widespread institutional backing for the reform. 'Most concerned entities have expressed strong support. It is clearly in the interest of the convicted individuals, as it promotes their rehabilitation and reintegration into society as productive members.' However, Shaikh Ahmed also raised an important point of clarification. 'Does the alternative sentence truly correspond to the severity of the crime committed? Are there evaluations in place to assess the convict's behavioural, psychological and mental condition before applying alternative sentencing?' Committee rapporteur Ali Al Aradi said the reforms to Bahrain's alternative sentencing law reflect a shift toward modern judicial practices that prioritise rehabilitation over retribution. 'The government aims not only to reduce overcrowding in prisons, but to create a justice system that is fair, effective, and in step with international standards. It has been referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
17-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Shura Council backs Bahrain-Kuwait maritime deal
Shura Council yesterday backed a draft law to ratify an agreement with Kuwait on ports and commercial shipping, clearing the way for a final vote in the next sitting. Signed in Kuwait City on 20 October 2024, the deal sets out rules for moving passengers and cargo, ship checks, and safety at sea. It also ensures Bahraini and Kuwaiti vessels get the same level of help if they run into trouble on the water. Arrangements Training is a key part of the arrangement, giving seafarers from both countries access to each other's maritime schools at lower costs. Council members weighed in on the agreement, with some welcoming its trade and security benefits, while others questioned the way it had been put together. Hamad bin Mubarak Al Nuaimi, rapporteur for the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said the pact would make shipping smoother and strengthen trade links. 'It will also lay down firmer safety rules, which will help draw in more regional and overseas investment,' he said. Natural extension Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, who chairs the committee, described it as a natural extension of Bahrain and Kuwait's long-standing ties. 'This is not just a political or diplomatic matter,' he said. 'It is a bond of kinship, one that comes with a duty to support national fleets, improve port operations, and ensure rights are upheld through proper legal frameworks.' Abdulla Al Nuaimi pointed out that the deal had been signed by Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Kuwait's Ministry of Interior — two departments with very different remits. 'There is no like-for-like balance here,' he said. 'How can this be handled by a foreign minister when those with direct responsibility are not involved? Such agreements should be drawn up by those who will put them into action.' Concerns Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, His Excellency Ghanim Al Buainain, responded to these concerns, explaining that each country determines which body signs an agreement based on its own internal structure. 'In Bahrain, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications was the relevant authority, while in Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior was chosen according to their internal system and the scope of their departments,' he said. He also clarified that responsibility for international agreements lies with the state, not just the signing ministry. 'A foreign minister is authorised to sign all international agreements on behalf of the country, and in some cases, ambassadors may be delegated to do so,' he said. 'Ministers, including the Minister of Interior, can also authorise the foreign minister to sign agreements, particularly when they fall within their ministry's remit.' International law Ali Al Aradi weighed in on how these pacts work under international law. 'Bilateral deals are signed by foreign ministers on behalf of their governments,' he said. 'But putting them into practice falls to the bodies in charge of that area.' Dalal Al Zayed asked for details on training, pressing the government on whether there were dedicated maritime centres in Bahrain and whether professional qualifications would carry the same weight as academic degrees. Petroleum transport Bader Al Mahmood, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications confirmed that training was a key part of the agreement, pointing to Kuwait's advanced fleets, particularly in petroleum transport. 'This is a valuable opportunity for Bahraini maritime workers to train on Kuwaiti vessels and exchange expertise in maritime training,' he said. He acknowledged that neither Bahrain nor Kuwait had dedicated national training centres but noted that maritime education was available in the Gulf
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Shura vetoes law on expat visa conversions
Bahrain - A legislation that could have banned expatriates from turning their tourist (visit) visas into work permits has been unanimously vetoed by the Shura Council yesterday. The government had drafted the amendments to the 1965 Foreigners (Migration and Residency) Law based on a proposal by a group of MPs. The Cabinet has also earlier called for a rethink, telling MPs that new rules issued in February last year were aimed at cracking down on the misuse of tourist visas and the bill was unnecessary. It will now be presented to Parliament for a second vote, and if each chamber insists on its stand then the issue will get shelved. Under the new rules that were introduced in February last year, a visit visa can no longer be converted into a work or dependent visa without a sponsor. However, visit visas with a sponsor can be transferred to a work or dependent visa for a revised fee of BD250, instead of the previous BD60, only if it is for the same sponsor. Shura foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi said Bahrain's legislative policy has historically left visa regulations and conversions under the jurisdiction of administrative decisions. Dr Ali Al Rumaih He added that the goal of preventing the conversion of visit visas into work permits had already been achieved through the new rules introduced in February last year. Committee rapporteur Nancy Khadoury pointed out that the proposed legislation contradicted the general rule established in Article 18 of the same law, which states that, 'foreigners can be granted or have their residence permits renewed only if they can support themselves and their dependents (if any) in Bahrain'. 'The conversion of any type of entry visa into a residence permit for work is allowed, provided the applicant meets the required conditions. 'The authority overseeing residence permits has the discretion to grant, renew or limit the validity of a residence permit based on periodic legal reviews.' Shura Council financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati said the proposed amendments would have harmed Bahraini employment as many investors would have seen it as interference and added to the cost of hiring expats when setting up a business. 'Bahrainis are in demand when foreign investors come here, but they may need others, so they would want to check possible employees to fill up vacancies,' he added. 'When we ban turning visit visas, it means interfering in foreign investors' set-up plans and possible operational direction. 'If they want to hire expats, they will pay more, so the guarantees are already there, and Bahraini spots are protected.' Shura Council member Ali Al Aradi said existing rules are more flexible considering that some who may come on tourist visas would find trouble with their mother nation going and coming again. Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Legislative Affairs Rashid Bunajma said that the existing law was sufficient to achieve the intended objectives of the proposed bill. He said the government has issued several decisions which prohibit granting entry visas to non-Bahrainis intending to work, unless they obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration and Passports Directorate. Mr Bunajma also explained that the NOC was only issued after securing a work permit or sponsorship by the contracting government entity. He noted that the percentage of visit visas being converted into work visas had decreased by more than 87 per cent following the introduction of new rules. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
