UAE Legal NewsBahrain’s Parliament has approved a proposal calling for intensified awareness campaigns to combat electronic fraud, using television, social media, and other communication platforms to educate the public.
Spearheaded by five MPs, with Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee Vice-Chairman Hassan Ibrahim leading the effort, the initiative aims to shield citizens and residents from financial fraud and cybercrime by enhancing public education and bolstering banking security measures.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling online fraud. He highlighted efforts by the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic, and Electronic Security, which regularly collaborates with the Information Affairs Ministry to deliver fraud prevention messages via TV and radio.
“Officers conduct awareness lectures detailing different types of electronic economic crimes, fraud tactics, and preventive measures. Additionally, we maintain close coordination with key stakeholders, including the Consumer Protection Directorate, financial institutions, and audit firms, to strengthen security measures,” the minister stated.
A specialized committee has also been established in partnership with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to develop joint strategies aimed at tackling financial theft through cyber fraud, with a strong emphasis on public education.
Other Parliamentary Decisions
Parliament also unanimously backed a motion to abolish the parallel Bahrainisation system, which allows employers to bypass national employment quotas by paying a fee for expatriate work permits. The proposal, led by MP Bader Al Tamimi and four others, argues that the system hinders job opportunities for Bahrainis.
However, Labour Market Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Nibras Talib cautioned that eliminating the system could weaken incentives for hiring Bahrainis and negatively impact employment rates.
In addition, MPs approved and referred several other proposals to the Cabinet for review, including:
- Establishing a specialized hospital for cancer treatment in the Southern Governorate.
- Allocating land for charity society headquarters across the country.
- Amending housing eligibility rules to exclude a wife’s inherited property from affecting her qualification for housing services.
- Tightening regulations on motorbike delivery drivers and enforcing health standards for food delivery boxes.
During the parliamentary session, officials provided employment updates, revealing that nearly 17,000 Bahrainis were registered as job-seekers in 2023, with 29,533 securing employment. Discussions also covered youth empowerment programs and initiatives aimed at increasing workforce participation.
