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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Bahrain: Justice Ministry Launches New Service for Managing Minors’ Movable Assets

Gulf Digital News, 16 February 2026: Bahrain’s Justice Ministry has introduced a new service allowing guardians to request approval for the purchase or sale of movable assets belonging to minors.

As part of wider government efforts to enhance and streamline public services, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has developed a mechanism enabling guardians and legally authorised individuals to submit applications to buy or sell movable assets owned by minors. The service covers transactions involving valuable items, electrical appliances and similar property.

According to the ministry, applicants can now file and track requests through the Minor Affairs and Funds Service Centre, ensuring clearer oversight and improved transparency within the authorisation process. The initiative forms part of the ongoing digital transformation of justice‑sector services and aims to reinforce legal protections for minors’ financial interests.

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Bahrain: Parliament Debate GCC Land Transport Framework

Gulf Digital News, 30 January 2026: Bahrain’s Shura Council has put on its agenda a debate on a decree‑law approving a unified GCC framework for international land transport, marking a step towards regional legal harmonisation in cross‑border road transport.

Shura Council placed on its agenda a debate on Bahrain Decree-Law No. 35/2025 on the Approval of the Unified System (Law) for International Land Transport Among GCC Countries. Bahrain Decree-Law No. 35/2025 seeks to align Bahrain’s domestic legal framework with a regional system governing cross‑border land transport between Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

The unified framework is intended to regulate the movement of goods and passengers across GCC borders by establishing common legal standards for licensing, operational requirements, and compliance obligations. Officials indicated that the harmonised regime aims to facilitate trade flows, improve road safety, and enhance coordination among GCC transport authorities, reducing regulatory fragmentation between member states.

During discussions, it has been noted that several GCC states have already begun implementing the unified system, and Bahrain’s approval is designed to ensure consistency and legal compatibility across the region. The framework is expected to support regional supply chains by streamlining cross‑border transport procedures and reducing administrative barriers for operators engaged in international land transport.

The Shura Council’s consideration of the decree forms part of Bahrain’s constitutional process for reviewing decree‑laws issued when Parliament is not in session. Parliamentary debate allows members to assess the legal, economic, and regulatory implications of adopting region‑wide legislation and to ensure alignment with national transport policies and public‑interest considerations.

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Bahrain: Shura Panel Backs Tougher Regulation of External Auditors

Bahrain Digital News, 23 January 2026: Bahrain has taken a step towards tightening financial oversight after a Shura Council panel backed amendments to Bahrain Decree-Law No. 15/2021 with Respect to External Auditors.

A Shura Council committee supported proposed amendments to Bahrain Decree-Law No. 15/2021 that are designed to strengthen supervision of the auditing profession through stricter standards and tougher penalties. The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee said the reforms are necessary to enhance transparency and protect confidence in the country’s financial system.

The panel reviewed the draft changes before endorsing them.

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Bahrain: Ministry Upgrade Industrial Leasing Process to Attract Investors

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 19 January 2026: Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has upgraded its industrial‑plot leasing process to streamline procedures.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced updated procedures for leasing industrial plots as part of the government’s broader efforts to raise service standards. The revised process formed part of an initiative to support industrial activity, enhance ease of doing business and strengthen Bahrain’s competitiveness in attracting long‑term industrial investment.

According to the announcement, the improvements have focused on simplifying administrative steps, accelerating approvals and improving communication between the Ministry and beneficiaries.

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Bahrain: Shura Council Set to Back Tougher Anti‑Financial Crime Law

Gulf Digital News, 9 January 2026: Bahrain is preparing to strengthen its legal framework against money laundering and terrorism financing as the Shura Council moves to approve significant amendments to the kingdom’s anti‑financial crime legislation.

The Shura Council is expected to approve new amendments to its principal anti‑financial crime law during its upcoming 11 January session, according to the council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee. The amendments, set out in Bahrain Decree‑Law No. 36/2025, overhaul provisions of Bahraini Laws on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (Bahrain Decree-Law No. 4/2001). The revision is driven by urgent national and international commitments designed to ensure stronger compliance with global financial‑crime standards.

The enhanced framework aims to combat illicit financial flows by modernising regulatory tools, increasing oversight mechanisms, and aligning the kingdom’s obligations with evolving international counter‑terrorism financing requirements.

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Bahrain: MPs Set to Debate New Corporate Tax Draft Law

Gulf Digital News, 6 January 2026: Bahraini lawmakers are preparing to debate a new 61‑article corporate tax draft law after it was formally referred to Parliament for discussion.

Members of Parliament in Bahrain are scheduled to open discussions on a major proposed corporate tax law during today’s parliamentary session. The legislation, comprising 61 articles, was referred to Parliament by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for taxing corporate income and business activities, marking one of the most significant fiscal reforms the Kingdom has seen in recent years.

The proposed law aims to establish a structured and transparent approach to corporate taxation, signalling a shift towards modernised fiscal governance. While full details of the framework are still to be debated, the legislation is expected to set out the scope of taxable activities, compliance requirements, and obligations for businesses operating in Bahrain.

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Bahrain: Anti-Corruption Cooperation Law Ratified Under OIC Framework

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 23 December 2025: Bahrain has enacted a new law, ratifying the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation, reinforcing its commitment to regional efforts against corruption.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has approved Bahrain Law No. 43/2025 following its passage by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The law, which came into effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette, formalises Bahrain’s adherence to the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention—a multilateral agreement among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states aimed at enhancing collaboration in combating corruption.

Officials say the move underscores Bahrain’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in tackling financial crimes and promoting good governance.

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