Bahrain: Anti-Smoking and Tobacco Law Amendments Being Considered

The Services Committee of the Shoura Council has discussed a draft law amending Bahrain Law No. 8/2009 on combating smoking and tobacco of all kinds and the accompanying Bahrain Decree No. 74/2017.

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Bahrain: Bahrain Signs Mutual Recognition of Vaccination Agreement with Israel

Bahrain has signed a mutual recognition of vaccination and green passports agreement with Israel.

It is the first agreement of its kind between the two countries and is a global precedent for a bilateral agreement on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

Under the agreement, those who have been vaccinated in both countries and received vaccinations recognised in the other country will be exempt from isolation rules and be able to enter places which require a green passport. In the second phase, arrangements will be made for people who have been vaccinated with a vaccine which is not recognised by one of the two countries.

The identification process will be carried out digitally. This will facilitate entry into both countries. It is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and economic relations between the two countries.

It follows recent talks between the Bahraini Foreign Affairs Minister and their Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi.

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Bahrain: Signs Mutual Recognition of Vaccination Agreement with Israel

Bahrain has signed a mutual recognition of vaccination and green passports agreement with Israel. It is the first agreement of its kind between the two countries and is a global precedent for a bilateral agreement on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates. Under the agreement, those who have been vaccinated in both countries and received vaccinations recognised in the other country will be exempt from isolation rules and be able to enter places which require a green passport. In the second phase, arrangements will be made for people who have been vaccinated with a vaccine which is not recognised by one of the two countries. The identification process will be carried out digitally. This will facilitate entry into both countries. It is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and economic relations between the two countries. It follows recent talks between the Bahraini Foreign Affairs Minister and their Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi.

Bahrain: Anti-money Laundering Law Amendment Approved

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee of Bahrain’s Parliament has approved Bahrain Law No. 29/2020 amending Bahrain Decree-Law No. 4/2001 on prohibiting and tackling money laundering and terrorist financing. The new amendments expand the criminalisation of money laundering to include any criminal activity provided for by Bahraini laws or any other laws and international agreements which are ratified by the Kingdom of Bahrain and became party to. The Law also increases the penalties by adding more penalties and granting the relevant authorities the necessary powers to impose administrative fines on violating establishments.

Bahrain: The Legislative and Legal Affairs parliamentary committee has discussed a draft law

The Legislative and Legal Affairs parliamentary committee has discussed a draft law on the issuing of the advocacy law and decided to approve it with the amendments which have been introduced. The law has been subject to extensive examination by the committee. The chairman of the committee stated the aim is to issue a new law to regulate the profession of advocacy law to keep up with the developments that happened since the current law Bahrain Law No. 26/1980 was issued.

Bahrain: Investment Reconciliation Decree-Law Approved

Bahrain’s Shoura Council has approved a Decree-Law to carry out the amendments necessary before the World Bank Review for the usual assessment which takes place in the first quarter of each year. The aim of the law is also to boost confidence in the economic and financial system in the Kingdom to improve its international credit rating. The Law aims to reconcile the financial and economic situation of the investments and companies and to boost the rights of creditors as well as encourage them to utilise the benefits given by the Bahraini legislature.

Bahrain: Court of Cassation Law Amendments Approved

The Judicial and Legal Committee of Bahrain’s Parliament has reviewed a law to amend Bahrain Law No. 8/1989 (the Court of Cassation Law). The Committee has considered the recommendations made by the Justice Ministry, the Supreme Judicial Council and other institutions in this regard. The new law has been amended and approved.

Bahrain: Telecommunication Regulatory Authority Signs Cooperation Agreement with Arab Centre for Dispute Resolution

Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Centre for Dispute Resolution. The agreement aims to organise and manage disputes relating to the BH and Albahrain’ Internationalised Domain Name domain names. The Centre will coordinate with complainants, respondents and registrars to complete the necessary documents for filing cases, in addition to the panellists adopted by the Centre.

Bahrain: Minimum Salary for Sponsoring Family Members Increased

Bahrain’s Interior Minister has issued a Decision to increase the minimum monthly salary requirement for expatriates looking to sponsor their family members. Previously, the minimum monthly salary requirement was 250 Dinars. It has now been increased to 400 Dinars. To sponsor children who are over 24 or parents, the minimum monthly salary has to be at least 1,000 Dinars. They must also have valid health insurance in Bahrain. The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs may issue exceptions.