This week the spotlight is on legal developments in Bahrain, where a Bahraini MP has objected to the Bahraini Government’s urgent submission of the draft Bankruptcy Law to the Kingdom’s Parliament. The Government has referred the draft bankruptcy law to the House of Representatives to review in 15 days. The draft law would apply to natural or legal persons and provide legal protection during the bankruptcy process. It also covers bankruptcy procedures, fraud, preventive settlement, liquidation and the right to default until a decision by the Court. MP Ahmed Qaratah has objected because of the Law’s length and importance. It has been classed as urgent under Article 87 of the Constitution.

Elsewhere, Bahrain’s Shoura Council’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee has approved an amendment to the 1975 Passports Law. If approved, the new Article 18 to Bahrain Law No. 11/1975 will criminalise the tearing up or adulterating Bahraini passports with any signs, stickers, slogans, stamps or words. The fine for defacing a passport will be 400 Dinars but will not be imposed where damage is unintentional. Bahrain’s Cabinet Affairs Minister, Ghanim Al-Buainain said the aim is to stop Haj and tourism agencies defacing passports and preserve national identity. An Interior Ministry representative encouraged those with defaced passports to submit them to the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs department to issue a replacement. In a related development, Bahrain Law No. 7/2018 was ratified on 6 April. It adds a new clause to Article 9 of Bahrain Law No. 11/1975, granting retired military personnel the right to obtain a special passport.