Crown Prince reiterates government’s commitment to increasing parliamentary cooperation across all areas

Manama, Oct. 10 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today chaired the Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace. At the start of the meeting, and in light of His Majesty King Hamad’s royal decree, which establishes the state opening of Parliament and the Shura Council on Sunday October 16 for the third session of the fourth legislative term, His Royal Highness instructed the government to continue its constructive cooperation with the Legislative Authority. The Cabinet noted that this cooperation supports policies and decisions that meet citizens’ needs and aspirations in full, which is in line with His Majesty the King’s development programme. The Cabinet went on to reiterate its commitment to increasing government-parliamentary cooperation across all areas. The Cabinet highlighted the successful outcomes of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister’s visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, during which he led the Bahraini delegation participating in the Second Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad. The Cabinet also stressed the strength of bilateral relations between Bahrain and Thailand, which was reinforced by His Royal Highness’ meeting with his Thai counterpart. The Cabinet praised the speech given by the Prime Minister during the visit, which promoted further cooperation with Asian countries and the importance of the ACD and its mechanisms, as well as noting the need for continued coordination between exiting economic blocs and groups, to progress economic and political issues of shared interest. The Cabinet also emphasised the importance of effective participation in key regional summits, which is in line with the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting efforts to promote dialogue amongst the international community, and promote greater peace and stability in light of global challenges. The Cabinet went on to take a number of decisions aimed at increasing competition within the Kingdom, in order to attract more investors and tourists. The decisions relate to visa and residency permit reforms, efforts to improve government performance to ensure citizens’ needs and aspirations are met in full, and steps to better inform citizens and residents of government plans and initiatives through the establishment of the National Communication Centre, in addition to the reorganisation of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. A number of memorandums submitted by ministries and ministerial committees were also discussed during this week’s Cabinet meeting, including: 1. General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) provisions amended: The Cabinet approved a memorandum about a draft ministerial order that amended provisions of the legislative decree No.196 for the year 2014, which relates to the NPRA’s service fees. The amended provisions include: a. The introduction of a one-time visa valid for two weeks for a fee of 5 Bahraini Dinars. b. Modifying the duration of a stay per visit for a 3-month multiple entry visa holder from two weeks to a month c. Issuing a multiple entry visa valid for one year for a fee of 85 Bahraini Dinars d. Amending the 5-year multiple entry visa price from 60 to 170 Bahraini Dinars 2. The Cabinet approved a memorandum about a draft legislative order to the rename the National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance of Education and Training to the Authority for Quality of Education and Training, aligning it with international best standards in the education sector. 3. Land development: The Cabinet approved a memorandum amending provisions of the regulations of the legislative decree No.3 for the year 1994 regarding the division of land intended for reconstruction and development, in order to increase government revenues in the interest of maintaining the quality of services provided. 4. Reorganisation of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications: The Cabinet approved a memorandum regarding the reorganisation of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications with the aim of reducing expenditure and improving performance, and re-distributing responsibilities in order to improve the services provided in various sectors of the ministry. The reorganization will see the number of Assistant Undersecretary’s at the Ministry decrease from 8 to 7. 5. The establishment of the National Communication Centre (NCC): The Cabinet agreed to take the constitutional procedures of the draft decree to establish and regulate the National Communication Centre. The centre will be tasked with unifying the government narrative and institutionalizing government media-related work. The Cabinet also noted the important role the Centre will play in informing citizens and residents of government plans and initiatives, and establishing relationships with local, regional and international media outlets. 6. Passport law: The Cabinet approved a memorandum about amending provisions of Law No.11 for the year 1975 regarding passports, and reviewed existing legislation that does not criminalise acts performed by unauthorised individuals who purposely alter Bahraini passports. 7. National Action Plan on Irregular Workers and Joint Worker’s Accommodation: The Cabinet reviewed a memorandum regarding the National Action Plan on Irregular Workers and Joint Worker’s accommodation. The Cabinet instructed the concerned authorities to monitor the implementation of the action plan’s initiatives and directed the Minister of Labour and Social Development to present the action plan to the concerned parliamentary committee. In addition, the Cabinet instructed the relevant government entities to strengthen coordination and electronic integration. This plan is also in line with the government tool to enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks that was stressed during the Government Forum 2016. Draft Proposals: The Cabinet took note of a number of draft proposals by the legislative authority, in order to take the necessary measures, including: o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representative regarding the prioritisation of emergency cases for treatment abroad requests. o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representatives regarding the capitalisation of major development projects to facilitate job opportunities for unemployed citizens. o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representatives regarding the establishment of a General Directorate to Combat Drugs. o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representatives urging the government to take measures that develop and activate the departments and agencies concerned with accountability, protection and inspection. o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representatives regarding an Electricity and Water Authority deduction of 50% of the value of electricity bills from families of widows registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. o A draft proposal submitted by the House of Representatives, which was expedited, regarding the opening of an air route for the national carriers of Bahrain and Morocco, between the two countries.