Expats in Bahrain can now breathe a sigh of relief as the government has rejected a proposed minimum salary requirement for obtaining a driving license. Concerns over a potential BD500 threshold, similar to a proposal dismissed in 2014, were addressed in a recent letter to Members of Parliament. The government confirmed that existing regulations are sufficient, citing current residency checks and ongoing initiatives to tackle traffic congestion through a ministerial committee led by the Minister of Interior. This decision will positively impact thousands of expats living and working in Bahrain.
In a letter to MPs, the government acknowledged that it had reviewed the proposal, which suggested tightening the criteria for issuing licenses to non-Bahrainis, including the proposed salary requirement. It stated, “The existing executive regulations of the Traffic Law adequately cover the issuance of driving licenses to expats.” The government also pointed out that residency requirements are already verified by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) before any applications are processed.
In addition, the government highlighted that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had already ordered the formation of a ministerial committee, chaired by the Minister of Interior, to address traffic congestion. The committee has been tasked with assessing traffic conditions and providing recommendations to the Cabinet. On 26th July 2023, the Cabinet approved steps to improve the transport system and ease congestion, based on the committee’s findings. These measures include reviewing traffic flow and overseeing existing solutions.
Regarding the proposal to restrict driving licenses to expats earning more than BD500, the government reminded MPs that a similar suggestion had been rejected during discussions on the 2014 Traffic Law. The government affirmed that current regulations prioritize public safety and the welfare of road users. It stated, “Should any future amendments be necessary, they could be integrated within the existing framework aimed at managing road safety and alleviating congestion.”
This decision by the Bahraini government to reject the proposed minimum salary requirement for obtaining a driving license is a welcome development for expats in the country. It ensures that the current regulations are sufficient to address the issuance of driving licenses to non-Bahrainis, without imposing a salary threshold. The government’s commitment to tackling traffic congestion through the formation of a ministerial committee led by the Minister of Interior demonstrates its dedication to improving road safety and transportation efficiency in Bahrain.
Moving forward, the government’s decision to approve steps to improve the transport system and ease congestion, following the committee’s recommendations, shows proactive efforts to address traffic issues in the country. By prioritizing public safety and the welfare of road users, the government is working towards creating a more efficient and sustainable transportation system in Bahrain. Expats can now continue to navigate the roads without the added burden of a minimum salary requirement for obtaining a driving license, allowing them to focus on their daily activities and responsibilities without unnecessary obstacles.
