The Bahraini Parliament is set to vote on a crucial proposal that could significantly alter the eligibility criteria for public housing applications. Currently, applicants face income checks both when they initially apply and again when they receive a nomination certificate, a process that MPs argue unfairly disqualifies individuals whose incomes have modestly increased during often lengthy waiting periods. This debate highlights the challenges of balancing housing accessibility with ensuring resources are directed towards those most in need.
Proposed Changes to Bahrain Public Housing Eligibility
A motion put forward by MPs Bader Al Tamimi, Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, Hamad Al Doy, Abdulla Al Dhaen, and Abdulwahid Qarata seeks to simplify the eligibility process for public housing in Bahrain. The core of the proposal is to base eligibility solely on an applicant’s monthly income at the time of application. This means a second income check at the nomination stage would be eliminated.
The MPs contend that the current system, governed by Ministerial Decision No. 909 of 2015 and amended by Decision No. 900 of 2024, creates an unfair situation for many Bahraini families. The existing rules stipulate a maximum monthly income of BD 900 at application and BD 1,200 at the time of receiving a nomination certificate.
The Long Wait and Rising Incomes
A significant issue driving this proposal is the extended timeframe between application and allocation. According to the MPs, applicants can wait five years or even up to fifteen years for a suitable housing unit. During this period, even small salary increases – a natural consequence of career progression or cost of living adjustments – can push an applicant over the BD 1,200 threshold, leading to rejection despite years spent on the waiting list.
This situation, they argue, contradicts the spirit of Article 9, paragraph (w), of the Constitution, which mandates the state’s commitment to providing housing for citizens with limited incomes. The MPs believe that the current system prioritizes administrative hurdles over the genuine need for affordable housing solutions for Bahraini families.
Ministry’s Concerns and Justification for Current System
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has expressed reservations about the proposed changes. In a written response, the ministry maintains that the current income thresholds are essential for ensuring that public housing benefits reach those who truly qualify as low-income earners.
They argue that freezing the income check at the application date would broaden eligibility to include individuals who are no longer considered to have limited incomes, potentially undermining the constitutional principle of providing housing for those most in need. The ministry also highlights a distinction between long-term housing services and immediate financing options, where income verification is conducted at the time of application.
Furthermore, the ministry points to amendments made to Decision No. 909 of 2015, specifically clause 4 of Article 5, which aimed to apply the income test consistently throughout the application process. This, they claim, provides clarity and fairness to applicants.
Committee Recommendation and Parliamentary Vote
Despite the Ministry’s opposition, the Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee has strongly recommended approving the proposal. The committee members unanimously agreed with the arguments presented by the MPs, emphasizing the public interest grounds outlined in the explanatory memorandum.
The committee believes that the proposed change would address the practical challenges faced by applicants and better align the housing application process with the realities of long waiting times. The motion is scheduled for a vote by the full Parliament on Tuesday, and the outcome will have significant implications for future access to public housing in Bahrain. This vote represents a key moment in the ongoing discussion surrounding affordable housing Bahrain and the best way to support citizens in need.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Bahraini Citizens
The upcoming parliamentary vote on this proposal is a critical step towards potentially streamlining the public housing system in Bahrain. If passed, the change could offer much-needed relief to applicants who have diligently waited for years, only to be disqualified due to modest income increases.
However, the Ministry’s concerns regarding the potential for extending benefits to those no longer considered low-income remain valid. The debate underscores the complex balancing act between ensuring equitable access to housing and maintaining the financial sustainability of the system. The outcome of Tuesday’s vote will undoubtedly shape the future of housing accessibility for Bahraini citizens for years to come.
