Bahrain: Electricity Bill Relief for Businesses

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 18 March 2026: MPs in Bahrain have approved measures to compensate businesses for water and electricity costs.

The proposal had been submitted by four MPs calling for urgent support of businesses affected by the regional crisis. It was stated some sectors had faced disruption and declining footfall as a result. The measure aims to reduce the fixed cost burden of these costs by studying mechanisms to compensate them or reduce their costs, allowing these businesses to remain in operation.

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Bahrain: MPs seek temporary freeze on personal‑loan repayments

Gulf Digital News, 17 March 2026: Bahraini MPs have submitted an urgent proposal calling for a three‑month freeze on personal‑loan instalments for citizens, without interest or additional charges, in response to financial pressures caused by regional tensions and recent Iranian attacks.

Five legislators, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk, placed the proposal on the agenda for debate during today’s parliamentary session. The MPs said the measure aims to support families experiencing economic strain, noting that recent security events have had direct repercussions on household finances.

If adopted, the suspension would apply to Bahraini citizens’ personal loans issued by banks and financing institutions, and would pause repayments without imposing penalties, fees or compound interest—similar to relief measures enacted during previous national emergencies.

The proposal is now pending parliamentary discussion, after which it may be escalated to the government for formal action.

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Iran: UN Security Council demands halt attacks on Gulf states

Khaleej Times, 12 March 2026: The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding that Iran immediately stop its missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries amid escalating regional conflict.

The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia), and was co‑sponsored by a record 135–136 UN member states, signalling unusually broad international support. It demands the cessation of all Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, and condemns attempts to obstruct maritime navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Bahrain: Prosecution seeks maximum penalties in terrorism‑related cases

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 11 March 2026: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution has urged the Criminal Court to impose the maximum penalties on several defendants accused of promoting, justifying and encouraging acts of terrorism linked to the IRGC attack.

During hearings, prosecutors presented evidence showing the defendants had circulated materials supporting the terrorist act, possessed content glorifying terrorism, and taken photographs of restricted locations in violation of national‑security laws. The Prosecution stressed that such behaviour amounts to a betrayal of the country whose citizenship and resources the defendants benefitted from.

It argued that these acts instil fear, threaten citizens and residents, destabilise public security and undermine social stability, particularly amid the current regional challenges arising from Iranian aggression.

The Public Prosecution reiterated its commitment to confronting any conduct that violates Bahraini law or endangers national security, emphasising that the rule of law remains essential for protecting rights, freedoms and public order.

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Bahrain: Overstay fines waived for visitors after airspace closure

Gulf Digital News, 12 March 2026: Bahrain has announced temporary exemptions from overstay fines for visit‑visa holders affected by the kingdom’s airspace closure following recent Iranian attacks.

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) confirmed that all visitors whose permitted stay expired on or after 28 February 2026 will receive a one‑month waiver once Bahrain’s airspace reopens. The move follows widespread flight cancellations and suspensions linked to the regional security situation.

The NPRA also clarified that visit visas that were valid on 28 February 2026 will be extended for three months for travellers who applied before that date but were unable to enter Bahrain due to the exceptional circumstances.

Authorities stressed that the measures are intended to ease the impact on travellers and to facilitate movements once normal aviation operations resume. The NPRA urged the public to follow official channels for updates, including its call centre, WhatsApp service, virtual assistant and support email.

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Bahrain: State oil company declares force majeure

Times of Israel, 9 March 2026: Bahrain’s state oil company declares force majeure after a strike had set its refinery ablaze, disrupting operations amid escalating regional conflict.

The company has announced the measure through the state news agency, explaining that operations had been affected by extraordinary circumstances at the refinery complex. The declaration released the company from certain shipment obligations while it focused on stabilising operations and stated that domestic demand would still be met.

State media reported that a fire broke out at the Al Ma’ameer oil facility, causing material damage and prompting firefighters to respond; no casualties were recorded. Subsequent updates from wire reports noted that the force majeure applied to shipments and framed it as a standard contractual step in the circumstances.

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Bahrain: Parliament moves to tighten oversight of instalment sales

Gulf Digital News, 25 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament have unanimously approved an urgent proposal to strengthen oversight of instalment sales amid concerns about unclear contracts and hidden fees.

Bahrain’s Parliament have endorsed a proposal aimed at regulating instalment sales, particularly those offered by electronics retailers. Lawmakers raised concerns about ambiguous contract terms and undisclosed charges that had allegedly affected consumers. The proposal, submitted by five MPs has now been referred to the Cabinet for review.

If adopted, the initiative would lead to future consumer‑protection measures requiring greater transparency from retailers and stricter scrutiny of instalment agreements. Businesses offering deferred‑payment schemes may eventually face requirements to standardise disclosures and align with enhanced regulatory guidelines.

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Bahrain: Parliament Extends Social Insurance to Freelancers

Bahrain Moments, 19 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved amendments extending mandatory social‑insurance coverage to freelancers and self‑employed workers.

The amendment updates Article 2 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 24/1976 promulgating the Social Insurance Law, expanding compulsory coverage beyond traditional employment contracts to include self‑employed individuals and members of the liberal professions. The categories eligible for enrolment will be designated by ministerial decision and require approval from the Social Insurance Organisation’s board, ensuring a controlled regulatory rollout.

Lawmakers confirmed that penalties, funding mechanisms and implementation remain governed by existing statutory structures, noting the measure does not impose additional burdens on the state budget. The law takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

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