Expatriate Community Issues Discussed in Special Session of Bahrain's National Dialogue

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a special working session of Bahrain's historic and comprehensive National Dialogue, members of Bahrain's expatriate community, religious groups and cultural organizations met to address the concerns of foreign workers in the Kingdom. Discussions focused on economic development, works' rights and citizenship status.

Among items discussed were recommendations for improving Bahrain's economic competitiveness, specifically foreign direct investment in the tourism, financial and services sectors. Factors to improve investment included the simplification of business visa requirements, more transparency in regulations and the development of Bahrain's transport and telecoms infrastructure.

Also discussed was the issue of foreign workers' rights. Attendees proposed establishing a minimum wage, along with direct bank deposit payments and also supported the allowance to keep possession of passports at all times, in accordance with international standards.

Participants also requested that the current citizenship process be reviewed and reconsidered, especially as pertains to children of longtime residents. Ideas that children be given residency automatically after the age of 18 and that families, rather than individuals, be naturalized also surfaced during the discussion.

The suggestions will be submitted to His Majesty the King for consideration.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain

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